Former Labour TD Michael Conaghan dies aged 81

Michael Conaghan, a former Labour Party TD and Lord Mayor of Dublin, has passed away at the age of 81. His death marks the end of a significant career in Irish politics, spanning over two decades.

Elected to the Dáil Éireann for Dublin South Central in 2011, Conaghan served a single term before stepping down prior to the 2016 General Election. He represented the Labour Party alongside Eric Byrne, securing one of the two seats in the constituency during a notable election for the party.

Before his national political service, Conaghan was a dedicated Dublin City Councillor for 20 years, beginning in 1991. He achieved considerable local support, topping the poll on three occasions in the Ballyfermot ward. His public service extended to being elected Lord Mayor of Dublin in 2004.

Labour leader Ivana Bacik paid tribute to Conaghan, highlighting one of his key political achievements: securing the preservation of Richmond Barracks. This effort ensured the site would serve as a cultural and educational hub for the community, particularly in the lead-up to the 1916 centenary commemorations.

Michael Conaghan is survived by his wife, Marian, and their daughters, Heidi and Eve.

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As a member of the first Oireachtas all-party group on commemorations, one of Michael's greatest political achievements was securing the preservation of Richmond Barracks as a cultural and educational hub for the people of the South-West Inner City and beyond, in the run up to the centenary of 1916.