Obituary for Cormac Breathnach

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OBITUARY DR. CORMAC BREATHNACH 3/5/36 The death occurred yesterday at his residence, 384, Clontarf road, Dublin, of Dr. Cormac Breathnach, a former Lord Mayor of Dublin and a former Fianna Fail T.D. He was in his 71st year. Born near Cahirciveen, Co. Kerry, Dr. Breathnach was educated at the National School at Ballinakilla and later at Marlborough street Training School, Dublin. He became a national teacher and taught for many years at the Central Model Schools, Dublin, before entering politics. He was a member of the Irish National Teachers' Organisation for many years, and played a prominent part in improving teachers' salaries. On two occasions he was national president of the Dr. Cormac Breathnach. I.N.T.O. In 1932 he was the successful Fianna Fail candidate for Dublin North, which he represented until 1937. In that year he was elected to Dublin North-West, a seat which he held for his party until he retired from politics in 1954. For many years he was a member of Dublin Corporation, to which he was first elected in 1933 as an alderman, and he remained a member of the City Council until his retirement last year. He was elected Lord Mayor of Dublin in June, 1949, in succession to Mr. John Breen, the outgoing Labour Lord Mayor. A fluent Irish speaker, Dr. Breathnach took a deep interest in the work of the Gaelic League, of which he had twice been president. He published a translation of the late Padraig O Conaire's "Cram Geugach," entitled "Field and Fair." He was for many years chairman of the Dublin Vocational Education Committee, and at one time had been chairman of the Fianna Fail party. He was formerly a keen golfer, and was a member of Clontarf Golf Club. He received the degree LL.D. honoris causa from the National University of Ireland in 1934. He was a director of the Educational Building Society, and of Messrs. Williams and Woods, Ltd. He is survived by his widow, a son and a daughter.