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Brian Lenihan Obituary
Lenihan was lauded as a man of professional commitment and personal integrity who suffered the ill fortune of becoming finance minister in mid-2008 - the moment Ireland's celebrated Celtic Tiger boom was about to transform into one of Europe's worst financial disasters.
"His unyielding determination to do his duty, in spite of a serious illness, was remarkable and inspirational. It was truly a profile in courage," said longtime government and party colleague Micheal Martin.
"Brian had to confront challenges, the scale and gravity of which were unprecedented in the history of the state. Despite his illness, he faced up to those challenges with extraordinary but characteristic dignity, courage and good humor," said Irish President Mary McAleese.
B arely four months into his new job, Lenihan faced the imminent collapse of Ireland's biggest gambler on the runaway property market, Anglo Irish Bank, and the prospect that five other domestic banks could topple like dominoes as a result.
He responded with a blanket guarantee of domestic banks, the world's first such move. Lenihan declared that the sweeping promise wouldn't cost taxpayers a penny because confidence was all the Irish banks needed.
It failed spectacularly as subsequent government-ordered investigations unveiled huge property-based toxic debts in all six banks. Taxpayers found themselves on the hook for repaying tens of billions not only to fleeing depositors but also the foreign banks and hedge funds that had loaned Ireland's banks cheap money in good times.
The crisis appeared to take a stark physical toll on the dark-haired, normally ebullient Lenihan, who became pale and drawn during 2009. He finally went to a doctor late that year complain ing of insomnia and a potential hernia. They found advanced pancreatic cancer.
He vowed to stay on - and even became many Irish voters' favorite choice to succeed Ireland's ineffectual prime minister of the day, Brian Cowen. Lenihan considered a leadership heave but declined, saying the fight to save Ireland from bankruptcy couldn't afford any political turmoil.
By the time Ireland's voters threw Cowen, Lenihan and the long-ruling Fianna Fail party out of office in February 2011, the estimated cost of Ireland's bank-rescue efforts had risen exponentially to euro70 billion ($100 billion), a bill that a recession-hit country of just 4.5 million could never finance on its own.
Lenihan recalled his sense of deepening horror as Ireland, priced out of bond markets expecting eventual Irish default, found itself forced in November 2010 to negotiate a euro67.5 billion line of credit from the European Union and International Monetary Fund. The funds were designed to p ermit Ireland to cover its deficits and fund its banks until 2013.
"I have a very vivid memory of going to Brussels .... being on my own at the airport, looking at the snow gradually thawing, and thinking to myself: This is terrible," Lenihan recalled in a March interview with the BBC.
"I had fought for 2 1/2 years to avoid this conclusion. I believed I had fought the good fight and taken every measure possible to delay such an eventuality. And now hell was at the gates," he said.
Lenihan's perseverance in all-night meetings, despite regular rounds of radiation and chemotherapy, impressed IMF and EU officials.
"Brian displayed great personal courage, strength and dedication to the public good during a period of exceptional economic challenge in the life of Ireland and Europe," said Olli Rehn, the European Commission's minister for economic affairs. "In placing his duty to the nation above his personal difficulties, Brian Lenihan has provided us with an outstanding example of public service."
And to the end, Lenihan remained arguably the public's most respected figure in the discredited Fianna Fail party. While scores of his lawmaker colleagues were ousted from office in February's election, Lenihan was re-elected to his West Dublin constituency as Fianna Fail's sole parliamentary survivor in the capital.
He was the scion of one of Ireland's great political dynasties. His father, Brian Sr., was a longtime lawmaker, deputy prime minister and failed presidential candidate who also died of cancer. The younger Brian first entered politics to run successfully to fill his father's parliamentary seat in 1996.
Lenihan's younger brother Conor and his aunt Mary O'Rourke also were Fianna Fail lawmakers. Both lost their parliament seats in the February election. Both were by his bedside Friday morning after doctors at a Dublin hospital determined that they couldn't stop the spread of his cancer.
"In the end he w ent home. Where else would we want to pass away than at home?" O'Rourke said in a telephone interview.
She called his death at a comparatively young age "so incredible, so unfair. ... I feel like my own life has almost ended, I really do."
He was survived by his mother Ann, wife Patricia, four siblings and two children. Funeral arrangements were not immediately announced.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
Memories and Condolences
for Brian Lenihan
91 Entries
Maureen Quirke
June 17, 2015
Rip
(Psalm 51:10) . . .Create in me even a pure heart, O God, And put within me a new spirit, a steadfast one.
Monica Henry
June 24, 2011
Mike
June 16, 2011
He was an honorable man and put Ireland first instead of himself. The world needs more men and women like him. My condolences.
June 16, 2011
hero
Robert Zirbel
June 15, 2011
SO SILENT WAS YOUR LEAVING
by Robert M. H. Zirbel
So silent was your leaving,
Not a sound to say goodbye,
Just a silence that you left behind
And that silence seemed to say
“Please, please…
Do not grieve…
For I just had to go.”
So silent was your leaving,
Uttering not a painful cry
Nor even a fearful moan.
And that silence seemed to say
“Please, please…
Do not grieve…
For I just had to go.”
That silence is still not shattered
Even though my tears pour down
To join with all the unsaid words…
Those special, special words…
That I had always meant to say.
If I had cried out “Please, please don’t go.”
Would you have stayed?
No, I think not
For you had been called…
And you knew you had to go.
Yes, you knew you had to go.
I wrote this for my late wife Pauline who was from Limerick and was a great fighter too.
william o,connell
June 14, 2011
You saved ireland from economic disaster.may you rest in peace
June 14, 2011
My sincere condolences to the Lenihan family.Please know that God does not forget our loved ones or us as we have to cope with this loss. We are encouraged to throw all our anxieties upon him because he cares for you".
1 Pet 5:7)
Leanne Murphy
June 13, 2011
What a huge loss to the Lenihan Family and to Ireland .
God Bless you Brian , and thank you for being the ultimate Patriot , and a shining example of a Real Irishman .
The Murphy Family .
Cork
June 13, 2011
What a loss for the people of Ireland.
Sincere and deep sympathy, to Conor and Brian's family.
Pat, Angela and Sineadanne Coffey. New York.
Helen Bermingham
June 13, 2011
gOD BLESS YOU AND MAY YU REST IN PEACE.
Victoria
June 13, 2011
GodBless you "BRIAN"
BRIAN WALLACE
June 13, 2011
May you find comfort in remembering your beloved father this Father's Day, and every day.
June 13, 2011
Warm Summer Sun
Warm summer sun,
Shine kindly here,
Warm southern wind,
Blow softly here.
Green sod above,
Lie light, lie light.
Good night, dear heart,
Good night, good night.
By Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens)
The Poetry Foundation
Tom Smith
June 13, 2011
I pray that the God of all comfort, comfort the family, and friends of Brian Lenihan. We can all look forward to the time when "all those is the memorial tomb will hear Jesus' voice and come out." We can also look forward to everlasting true peace and equality under his everlasting ruler ship.
June 13, 2011
sincere sympathy on the sad passing of Brian Lenihan. A sincere and honest politician who will be greatly missed by this country M Cullen
Claire Nolan
June 13, 2011
A true patriotic Irishman who put his country before his personal health. May God reward him as he truely deserves. May he Rest In Peace.
Carmel Flanagan
June 13, 2011
With deepest sympathy to the family of Brian Lenihan. A man of courage, loyalty and fearless devotion to his country. May the Almighty Father and the Divine Mercy grant him the reward he truely deserves. RIP
Sadie Nolan
June 13, 2011
Deepest sympathy to the Lenihan Family at this very sad personal loss to them. Brian was an inspiration to all us, who are cancer patients. The courage he showed was motivation for all to keep going, until the day the Lord calls us home. Rest In Peace.
Dorothy
June 13, 2011
Hold on to all the happy and loving memories of Brian. May God continue to comfort and strengthen you through your Pain and sorrow. Psalms 146:5,6
Siobhan Gabbett
June 13, 2011
Deepest sympathy to the Lenihan Family at this very sad personal loss to them. Brian Lenihan was an inspirational ambassador for this Country and will be a greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his family now.
Anne Cashen
June 13, 2011
Deepest sympathy to the Lenihan family on losing a wonderful Husband and father.
He was a wonderful gentleman, and fantastic polition and a huge asset to our Country. May he rest in peace
Anne Cully
June 13, 2011
Deepest sympathy to all the Lenihan family on their great loss. Anne Cully
June 12, 2011
With deepest and heartfelt sympathy to all the Lenihan family. A great politician will be sadly missed. Mary Kinsella, Con Colbert Cumann, Palmerstown
Paula
June 12, 2011
Brian, you were only 52. Your loss to your family is incalculable. Your loss to Ireland as a very proud Irishman immeasurable. You would have made such a wonderful, fearless and courageous Taoiseach. What a shame. What a loss. Rest in Peace Brian.
Yvonne & Niall
June 12, 2011
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Marion Corbett
June 12, 2011
These words consoled me when my husband died suddenly at the age of 44 - 'He whom we love and lose is no longer where he was before, he is now wherever we are'. May they help you Mrs Lenihan and your family.
Margaret Mercatoris
June 12, 2011
Sympathy to the Family from Richard and
Margaret Mercatoris, origionally from
Kilfenora,Co Clare Ireland (Mc Donagh Family) neighbours of Jack Lenihan,
Colette Begley
June 12, 2011
Sincere sympathy to Brian Lenihan's family, he was an inspiration to us all
terry farmer
June 12, 2011
may god rest your soul brian lenihan. you were an example to us all.
Leo O'Reilly
June 12, 2011
Deepest sympathy and prayers to all the Lenihan Family. May Brian's noble soul rest in peace.
Sister Leo O'Reilly S.M.Dublin
Leo O'Reilly
June 12, 2011
Deepest sympathy and prayers to MrsLenihan, Tom, Claire and all the relatives on the untimely death of a great man. . May his noble soul rest in peace.
Sister Leo O'Reilly S.M. Dublin
MARIE
June 12, 2011
may he rest in peace.God Bless his FAMITY
Michael Stapleton
June 12, 2011
Condolences for a life marked by exemplary service,dedication and courage.RIP.
June 12, 2011
Rest in peace,Serena andrew& james
June 12, 2011
A TRUE IRISHMAN...........air dheis Dé go raibh a anam!
chris+ann curley
June 12, 2011
may you rest in peace, you will be greatly missed
Sister Rita Murray
June 12, 2011
My prayers and thoughts are with Mrs.Lenihan and her children during this time. Ireland has lost a treasure who was an inspiration to all of us.
With much love and sympathy,
Hugh & Maureen Brady
June 12, 2011
Sincere sympathy on your great loss.
RIP
caroline lee
June 12, 2011
Sincere & deepest sympathy to his family & extended family. Such strength & courage he showed at such a difficult time in his career. An inspiration. RIP.
Palwasha Rose Khan
June 12, 2011
Brian lenihan junior, ^_^
You were a great politician
and person alone,
May god rest your soul in peace <3
Michael Anne
June 12, 2011
To the family of the late Brian Lenihan our thoughts are with you at this very sad time. Brian always conducted himself as a gentleman throughout his political career. He will be sadly missed
Rest in peace Brian
paul ryan
June 12, 2011
Truly one of the great politicians of our time. He will be missed by many.Deepest sympathy to all his family. May he rest in peace
June 12, 2011
May you rest in peace Brian
your work has been done on this
earth our thoughts are with your
family
Matilda Brennan Rathnure Co Wexford
mary crotty
June 12, 2011
a brave and lovely man.a proud irish man
June 12, 2011
A great politican,lovely man.He will be missed by many.
John and Eileen Mulligan
ann brennan
June 12, 2011
May you rest in peace and hope you have left even a little bit of your courage to your family to help them through their great loss.
phyllis Farrell
June 12, 2011
This country has lost one great man.Brian may you RIP.May God comfort your wife and family.
Margaret Costello
June 12, 2011
Deepest sympathy to all the Lenihan family in your loss of a fantastic man. Margaret Costello, Firhouse, Dublin
Sheila Hurley
June 12, 2011
Brian, a truly remarkable and brave man, deepest sympathy to his family
kathleen
June 12, 2011
Brian was so much more than a politician, he was our Ghandi. He touched our hearts profoundly and he will never be forgotton. R I P
Kieran,Sean&Marian Woods
June 12, 2011
Deepest sympathy to the Lenihan family
Oisin Mc Kay
June 12, 2011
Thank you for all the help with my little sister caoimhe who has down syndrome if it wasnt for you she might not be able to walk or talk
Joanne
June 12, 2011
R.I.P Mr Lenihan. Thinking of your family and friends at this sad time.
Gerry Mc Kay
June 12, 2011
Thank you for all your help throughout the years with the children with special needs in D15, may god look after you as you looked after them
Angela
June 12, 2011
Brian may you rest in the peace. May your family be bless in abundance of Prayer
June 12, 2011
"Brian you endured much - medical and National finances. Rest in peace." Dr. James J Fleming, Waterford
Helen Mc Donagh
June 12, 2011
rest in peace Brian.May God have mercy on your good and gentle soul
jenny kelly
June 12, 2011
So sorry for you loss.A great Man, all our love and prayers
Oisín O'Diolun
June 12, 2011
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dhílis.
Oscar O'Diolun
June 12, 2011
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dhílis.
Sonja
June 12, 2011
Our thoughts are with his family, especially his wife and children. He was an inspiration to all of us, he was a brave man and an outstanding human being. R.I.P.
David J Bhaltazhar Esq
June 11, 2011
Erin Go Bragh!
John
June 11, 2011
Brian Lenihan A great Irishman,incredibly
Brave.
phyllis Gahan
June 11, 2011
A light gone from this world to the next-May you R.I.P Brian .May God comfort your family and friends in this sad time-
Anthony /Deirdre
June 11, 2011
Brian is now in the company of his father and young brother and eternal peace.
Fidelma Shovlin
June 11, 2011
Your pain is gone now Brian.May your family find the power to carry on . May you rest in peace.
denise power
June 11, 2011
a great man will be missed a huge loss to his familly . may he rest in peace. denise power, clonmel co. tipperary
Eliz Butler
June 11, 2011
May the sacred heart look after you, and my you rest in peace, you were a true son of Ireland
R I P
June 11, 2011
Our deepest sympathy, for the loss of a gentleman and father.
The Beirne family, carrick on shannon.
Helena Lyons
June 11, 2011
Deepest sympathy to the lenihan family on the death of Brian, he was a very likable man someone who cared about the poeple and someone that showed great courage in dealing with his illness. He will be greatly miseed
a d
June 11, 2011
rest in peace
June 11, 2011
Deepest sympathy to Lenihan Family on the Death of Brian, he showed great courage and fortitude in dealing with his illness he will be greatly missed may he rest in peace
June 11, 2011
TO THE FAMILY,I AM TRULY SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF A DEAR LOVE ONE,DEATH IS THUS AN ABSENCE OF LIFE,PLEASE READ ROMANS 6;23}SHOWING THAT DEATH IS A STATE OF TOTAL UNCONSCIOUSNESS.PLEASE FIND COMFORT AT ECCLESIASTES 9:5.AW.HOUSTON,TX.
Jane B McGuire
June 11, 2011
MY deepest sympathy to all the family. May the leprechauns be near you to spread good luck along your way. May all of the Irish Angels smile on you today. Jane Beirne McGuire. New Haven Ct. U S A.
Jane Dowling
June 11, 2011
R.I.P. God bless you and your loved ones.
June 11, 2011
"My heartfelt condolences to The Lenihan Family. May our Heavenly Father, the God of comfort and tender mercies be with you all. With deep sympathy. Gail (Al).
Mj and Irene Stewart
June 11, 2011
Rest in Peace Brian
Our Condolences to his Family
Sean Patrick O'Neill
June 11, 2011
A good man gone too soon. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dhílis.
CARL RIZZO
June 11, 2011
WOW! WHAT A MAN!
IT`S SO HARD TO LOSE ONE OF THE SO
FEW GUARDIANS OF THE WORLD LIKE HIM.
IT`S LIKE LOSING PRESIDENT KENNEDY AGAIN.
CARL COSIMO RIZZO
GENERAL OF CROSSING GUARDS
[email protected]
Maurice Lynch
June 11, 2011
Rip Brian Lenihan.My condolences to your family at this very sad time.You had a tough job over the last four years,and did your best.rest in peace.
R Golay
June 10, 2011
To the the family of Brian Lenihan - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
M M
June 10, 2011
Brian's body of work is well known and appreciated by so many people. He was a very talented man. He will be missed. As we reflect on his life may the thoughts found in John 5:28 bring comfort and peace to his family and friends.
J. Hartnett
June 10, 2011
Rest in peace Mr. Lenihan.
David O'Connor
June 10, 2011
Rest in peace.
June 10, 2011
Gone but never forgotten.
Aidan Flanagan
June 10, 2011
To a true patriot, God rest you. To your family at this difficult time our thoughts are with you, too young to die. History will remember you fondly. Rest in peace.
Bernadette Heavey
June 10, 2011
My prayers and thoughts for the Lenihan family, have great memories of the lenihans when I was growing up near Athlone and the Hodson Bay Hotel.
The strength and courage and dedication of Brian Lenihan will live in all our memories.
God Speed.
pauline mcloughlin
June 10, 2011
so sorrie for yer losss x
Darren Whelan
June 10, 2011
My thoughts are with the family , what an example of a true spirt , he will be missed .I regret never meeting him but have been effected by his ability to shine. He is an example of a leader and what a statesman .
Emmanuel Sur
June 10, 2011
Toutes mes condoléances à la famille de M. Lenihan dont j'ai pu admirer de France et à chaque fois que j'ai eu la chance de me rendre en Irlande le courage politique aussi bien que personnel.
A mes yeux, M. Lenihan a été un très digne représentant de son pays et a su incarner la force, la persévérance, l'amitié et la simplicité qui font le génie propre de l'Irlande.
Reposez en paix, M. Lenihan, et que vos compatriotes sachent que des amis étrangers sauront également perpétuer votre souvenir.
Emmanuel Sur
Université Montesquieu-Bordeaux IV
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