Former Labour TD for Waterford Brian O’Shea has passed away, aged 81.
Mr. O’Shea, of Sweetbriar Lawn, Tramore, and late of Slievekeale Road, Waterford, died on Wednesday, 28 January, in the tender care of the staff of Killure Bridge Nursing Home surrounded by his loving family.
He served as a Senator in 1987 before being elected as a TD for the Waterford constituency from 1989 until his retirement from politics in 2011. Mr. O’Shea served as Minister of State at the Department of Health from 1994 to 1997 and Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine from 1993 to 1994.
An Tanaiste, Joan Burton pictured with Waterford Labour Party general election candidate, Ciara Conway TD, former Labour Party TD, Brian O’Shea and former Labour Councillor’s, Seamus Ryan and Jack Walsh RIP. Picture from 2016. Photos: Noel Browne
Mr. O’Shea attended Mount Sion CBS, Waterford and St. Patrick’s College, Dublin. He was a teacher before entering politics, serving as a councillor in the local authority (Tramore Town Council and Waterford Council) from 1979 to 1993.
Labour Party Leader Ivana Bacik TD has extended her condolences to the family, friends and former colleagues of Brian O’Shea who served as a Labour Party TD and Senator for Waterford from 1987 to 2011, and was a committed teacher, politician and loyal servant to the Labour Party over many years.
“On behalf of the Labour Party I want to extend my deepest sympathies to Brian’s wife Eileen and their children Christine, Anne, Paddy, Siobhán, John and Mary, as well as to his extended family and many friends and colleagues on his passing,” Deputy Bacik said.
“Brian had a distinguished national career in politics over 24 years, as a Minister of State, TD and Senator, alongside loyal service to the Labour Party. During that time, he was a thoughtful, considered and respected politician, inspired by public service and committed to politics as a noble profession.
“Brian was a long serving politician for Waterford, and his county was always foremost in his political thoughts, with a strong focus on job creation, health issues, and regional economic development. After a term in the Seanad from 1987 through the Industrial and Commercial Panel, he first secured election to the Dáil in 1989 when he topped the poll, after building up his vote over the previous three general elections. He went to serve the people of Waterford continually up until he retired in 2011 having built a dedicated team of supporters and Councillors across the county.
Defeated Labour General Election candidate John Pratt is pictured with former Waterford Labour TD, Brian O’Shea at the count centre. Picture from WIT Election Count 2020
“One of the highlights of his time in national politics was no doubt his service as a Minister of State, first in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine from 1993, with responsibility for food and horticulture, and then later in the Department of Health from 1994 to 1997 with responsibility for disability, public health and food safety.
“As a politician Brian was also deeply committed to local government, serving on the then Waterford Corporation, Waterford County Council and Tramore Town Commissioners. Uniquely, he was elected to all three local authorities in 1985, securing a seat on three different local authorities. He went on to be re-elected in 1991, topping the poll in both the Tramore ward of Waterford County, as well as the Waterford City No. 3 ward.
“Brian’s journey to politics began in his work as an educator and a trade unionist. He taught in St Paul’s National School beginning in 1970, and through trade union activity as a member of the INTO, he served as chair of the INTO Waterford City Branch, and as President of Waterford Council of Trade Unions.
Jimmy Maguire, Chairman, Kilcohan Park Greyhound Stadium is pictured presenting the Hall of Fame Award to Brian O’Shea, also included were Catriona Maguire, Irish Greyhound Board, Stephanie Maguire, sponsor, Catriona Maguire, Irish Greyhound Board and Jim O’Dwyer, Irish Greyhound Board. Picture from Kilcohan Park Greyhound Stadium in 2016.
“Throughout his time in politics, Brian was committed to the Labour Party where he had many friends, serving as Party Chairperson from 2007 up until 2012, and, even in retirement he continued to serve loyally as a Party Trustee for many years. When the Party was in opposition over the years, he served as a frontbench spokesperson across a broad range of briefs, from Defence, the Irish language, Rural and Gaeltacht affairs, Communications and Sport, to Education, Arts, and Heritage, but at the heart of his political activity was always the issues affecting the people of Waterford.
“May he rest in peace,” Deputy Bacik added.
Mr. O’Shea is survived by his loving wife Eileen, sons John and Paddy, daughters Christine, Anne, Siobhán and Mary, their spouses and partners Brian, Tony, Tadhg, Caroline and Claire, his adored grandchildren Matthew, Nancy, Tom, Sarah, Laura, Liam, Páidí, Meadhbh, Ailbhe, Remy, Estelle and Sophie, brother Seán, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends.
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS
Mr. O’Shea’s remains will repose at Thompson’s Funeral Home, Barrack St, Waterford on Friday (30th January) from 7:00pm to 8:30pm with vigil prayers and Rosary at 8:00pm. House Private at all times.
His Funeral Cortege will walk from his residence on Saturday (31st January) to the Holy Cross Church, Tramore, Co Waterford for Requiem Mass on arrival at 10:00am followed by burial in St. Declan’s Cemetery, Riverstown, Tramore. Mass will also be livestreamed at 10.00am on Saturday (see RIP.ie). Family flowers only please, donations if desired to Tramore Waterford Arch Club.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
