Tributes have been paid following the death of former Fianna Fáil MEP Brian Crowley, a West Cork native who served in the European Parliament for two decades. Mr Crowley died in the early hours of this morning at Cork University Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment. Picture: Denis MinihaneTánaiste Simon Harris said Mr Crowley served both Fianna Fáil and the country with “distinction” for 20 years. Cork Lord Mayor, Fianna Fáil's Fergal Dennehy paid tribute to Mr Crowley, saying the former MEP had "extraordinary electoral popularity". However, Mr Crowley defended his absences, saying he continued to deal with constituency issues while in hospital.

Source: Irish Examiner January 23, 2026 13:52 UTC