The funeral service for the former Munster and South MEP Brian Crowley has been told that the European election poll-topper was an inspirational man who dealt with the trials and tribulations of life with bravery and courage.
Parish Priest Fr John Newman said he was a "pure gentleman who inspired and motivated many with his positivity and resilience".
His brother Niall said even though Mr Crowley was very well known in public, he was also a very private and considered man who loved his family, his friends, his faith and having fun.
Described by Taoiseach Micheál Martin as having no equal in the modern political era, friends and politicians from across the political divide joined his family at St Patrick's Church in his hometown of Bandon to say their goodbyes.
President of Ireland Catherine Connolly was represented by her Aide-de-Camp Commandant Deirdre Newell.
Among those attending the funeral were Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan, Minister of State Christopher O’Sullivan, Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy, former Fianna Fáil ministers Michael Moynihan and Éamon Ó Cuív and Senator Mark Daly as well as former Munster MEP Gerry Collins and MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú.
Mr Crowley died in hospital in Cork on Friday, aged 61, following a long illness.
He is survived by his mother Sally, brother Niall and sisters Maeve, Deirdre and Fiona and their families.
In his eulogy, Niall Crowley said that the "four Fs: family, friends, faith and fun" reflected the true values of what Brian had stood for.
Parish priest Fr John Newman said Mr Crowley's "natural cheerfulness, enthusiasm and energy radiated warmth and happiness.
"His bubbly personality and winning smile instantly endeared him to people," he added in his homily.
"He was a pure gentleman. He inspired and motivated many with his positivity and resilience. He brought great joy to countless with his singing and good humour."
A man reared in a family of deep faith, Fr Newman said Mr Crowley became "an inspiration to us all" for the way he dealt with an accident at the age of 16 which confined him to a wheelchair.
He also had to deal with losing his father, former TD Flor Crowley, and his younger brother Flor Junior in a car accident.
"Again, Brian was an inspiration in the way he dealt with the trials and tribulations of life. He faced them not just with unparalleled bravery but also with geniality, humour and faith".
Fr Newman described his time as an MEP for Munster and the South Constituency as "Brian's Golden Era", years in which he proved himself "to be a brave and courageous man who helped a lot of people".
"After a short period in the Seanad, Brian stood in 1994 in the Munster Constituency in the European Parliament Election where he romped home to begin a glittering career. Brian was returned in four subsequent elections with outstanding votes. Those 20 years were Brian’s Golden Era".
A love of laughter and music
Niall Crowley said his brother overcame many challenges in life and his ability to handle adversity was a rare quality that he possessed and inherited from his mother, Sally.
He said that when Brian was severely injured following a fall at the age of 16, his parents were told that he would not live beyond the age of 25 but in "reaching nearly 62 years of age, he certainly overcame this".
Niall said the way they handled this news "had a major influence on how Brian himself would handle the trials and tribulations that life showed up".
"Brian's faith was an incredible part of his life. He never forced his religious belief on people, but his deep devotion to Our Lady was a constant component of his daily life."
Brian, he said, had a great sense of humour and love of music and singing, and will be forever connected with music sessions in Shanley’s pub in Clonakilty. He particularly looked forward to his weekly game of poker on a Thursday night with his great friends, which spanned over 35 years.
He also thanked the staff of Ward 2B at Cork University Hospital for their "incredible work and dedication".
"Brian spent a lot of time in his later years (here), and the people working on Ward 2B were like a second family to him.
"Brian’s ability to overcome adversity was never more reflected than in how he helped our family at the time of his brother, my brother Flor’s, death. Thank God that he is now able to share his time with his dad and brother. If Brian has not got a front seat in heaven, then the rest of us are in serious trouble. Thank you, Brian, for all you’ve done. Rest in peace."
Hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects as his body lay in repose at Gabriel & O'Donovan's Funeral Home in Bandon yesterday afternoon.
Following the service, Mr. Crowley was laid to rest in the cemetery adjoining his parish church, St. Patrick's in Bandon.
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Brian Crowley: Formidable poll-topper who defied physical and political adversity
