RIP: Former Tipperary Senator remembered at funeral and special meeting of local officials

The Tipperary community is mourning the loss of one of its most dedicated public figures, Anthony “Tony” McKenna of Ballyhaden, Borrisokane, who passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve at Ashlawn House Nursing Home, Nenagh, aged 86. Born and bred in Borrisokane, Tony McKenna was a lifelong community advocate whose political career spanned both local and national arenas.

Tony McKenna’s funeral took place at 11:30am today at St Peter and Paul Church, Borrisokane, where large crowds gathered to pay tribute to a man remembered as a devoted family man, a committed public servant and a tireless advocate for rural communities. The celebrant noted that his passing came just two months after the death of his brother, making the loss particularly poignant for the McKenna family.

During the homily, tribute was paid to his more than three decades of public service, as well as his lifelong commitment to education and culture. A vocational teacher by profession, he was deeply involved in the Vocational Education Committee and later served as chairman of the board of management of Borrisokane Community College at the time the new school opened. He was widely known for beginning public addresses in fluent Irish, reflecting his passion for the language and his role as a founder and director of Tipperary Árd Óige, which promoted Irish-language education among young people.

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Earlier in the day, at 10:30am, a special meeting of Nenagh Municipal District councillors, past and present, was held in his honour. The meeting was opened by Cathaoirleach Cllr Phyll Bugler, who proposed a vote of sympathy to the McKenna family and outlined Tony McKenna’s long and distinguished career in public life.

Cllr Bugler highlighted his dedication to education, culture and community development, recalling in particular his remarkable 140-mile solo cycling journey from Borrisokane to Dublin in 1982 to raise awareness and funding for elderly day-care services. She noted that Tony McKenna was predeceased by his wife Phyllis and is survived by his daughter Deirdre, sons Malachy and Tony, and his sister Philomena.

A number of councillors spoke in tribute during the meeting. Cllr Seamie Morris described Tony McKenna as a dedicated and respected public representative who worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of the Borrisokane and Nenagh areas. Former councillor Jim Casey recalled serving alongside him on the council, describing him as a natural leader who was articulate, well-educated and deeply committed to securing improvements for local communities.

Cllr Michael O’Meara highlighted McKenna’s compassion as an educator, sharing a personal account of how he went out of his way to support a young man struggling with literacy, who later went on to become a successful businessman. He described him as someone who always had time to offer guidance and encouragement to others entering public life.

Cllr Pamela Quirke O’Meara noted that a consistent theme emerged throughout the tributes that Tony McKenna was hardworking, respectful and widely liked, with a legacy that would endure within his community.

Cllr Hughie McGrath reflected on knowing Tony McKenna both as a teacher at Borrisokane Vocational School and later as a colleague in public life. He praised his leadership of the Vocational Education Committee and described him as a larger-than-life character with a deep passion for education and public service.

Cllr John Carroll recalled first meeting Tony McKenna during the 1985 local elections, noting his articulate nature, strong advocacy for healthcare services and decades-long contribution to education. Cllr JP O’Meara said it was an honour to be present for the tributes, describing Tony McKenna’s life as an example all public representatives could aspire to follow.

Director of Services Liam Brett, speaking on behalf of the executive of Tipperary County Council, expressed sincere condolences to the McKenna family, acknowledging Tony McKenna’s distinguished service as both a councillor and senator, and praising his lasting contribution to education, culture and local development.

During the funeral Mass, family members presented symbolic items reflecting different aspects of Tony McKenna’s life, including a hurley and a golf club, representing his love of sport as a former Borrisokane hurler and a lifelong member of Nenagh Golf Club, where he served as men’s captain in 1978. A car key and his mobile phone were also presented, symbolising his constant presence on the roads of North Tipperary and his love of conversation and connection with people. A photograph of Tony McKenna with two of his grandchildren, taken during the opening of the Nenagh bypass in 2000 when he was chairman of the county council, reflected the central importance of both family and public service in his life.
A deeply personal tribute was delivered by his son Malachy, who spoke warmly of his father as a teacher, public representative and, above all, a devoted family man. He recalled childhood journeys around the country, his father’s love of music, particularly Johnny Cash, and the way he always made time for his children and later his grandchildren, despite the demands of public life.

Tony McKenna was laid to rest alongside his late wife Phyllis, close to the place where they first met, marking the passing of a public servant remembered for his integrity, generosity and lasting impact on the people of North Tipperary.