Máirín Quill, Former Cork TD & Senator, Dies Aged 89

Former Cork TD and Senator Máirín Quill has died today aged 89.

• Born in County Kerry in 1936; died aged 89.
• Served as TD for Cork North-Central (elected 1987) and as Senator.
• Founding member of the Progressive Democrats; formerly contested seats for Fianna Fáil.
• First woman from Cork elected to the Dáil who did not replace a family member.
• Longtime teacher and champion of arts and culture on Cork’s northside.

The Legacy

Máirín Quill built a distinguished public life across education, local government and national politics. Her top achievements include:

1. Founding member of the Progressive Democrats, shaping a new political voice in Ireland.
2. Historic Dáil milestone as the first Cork woman elected on her own political merits rather than as a family successor.
3. Decades-long service to Cork’s northside as councillor, TD and Senator, and a tireless champion of arts and culture — notably through her work on Cork Corporation’s arts committee.

Social Proof: Reactions and Tributes

The Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, said he was “deeply, deeply saddened” and praised Ms Quill as “erudite and impactful,” highlighting her commitment to arts and culture and describing her as a friend and colleague. He offered his “deepest sympathies” to her family and friends.

Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher remembered her as a respected colleague and beloved teacher who inspired thousands of students. He recalled their years in the Oireachtas and her devoted service to Cork North-Central, offering condolences to her nephews Brian and Raymond.

Cork businessman Michael Mulcahy, President of the Little Island Business Association, reflected on Ms Quill’s decades-long support for local artists and creators, and her monthly presence at the Cork Vision Centre (now St. Peter’s Cork) to back the city’s cultural community.

Short description: Máirín loved Cork city but in particular the northside.

Family have not yet announced funeral arrangements. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.