Death of Dick Morrin, County Councillor
17 Jul 1996
The death has taken place, after a brief illness, of Mr. Richard (Dick) Morrin of St. John's, Breaffy Road, Castlebar, who has been a member of Mayo County Council for the past fourteen years.
Mr. Morrin (66) was one of the best known and respected Fianna Fail politicians in Connaught and had a reputation as an outspoken and hard working party member.During his distinguished political career, Mr. Morrin, played a major role in developing and building up the Fianna Fail party in Mayo West. He had a colourful personality and represented the Castlebar electoral area on Mayo County Council, a seat he was co-opted to in October 1982 to fill the vacancy created by the elevation of now EU Commissioner Padraig Flynn to ministerial status.
For many years he was associated with The Ryarc Optical services operation and in more recent times went into the insurance business having worked with Canada Life and more recently Eagle Star Insurance.
Just two weeks ago Mr. Morrin was elected as vice-chairman of the Western Health Board of which he had been a member for nine years. He was a staunch supporter of the development of better health services for the people of Mayo and in particular backed the campaign to have the phase two development of the Mayo General Hospital completed.
Dick was first elected to Castlebar Urban Council in July 1967 and remained a member of the authority until March 1986 when he resigned from the body to concentrate on County Council activities.
He was elected chairman of the UDC in 1971, a position he held with distinction.
On several occasions Mr. Morrin was director of elections for Fianna Fail for General and by-elections and proved to be an astute master of the political scene.
"How are you my friend" was his catch-phrase and it applied equally to those of different political persuasions who Dick worked with a so many committees.
During his term on Mayo County Council, Mr. Morrin served on several committees including the Housing Advisory body, Sanitary Services Advisory Committee, Finance Committee, Enterprise and Employment committee, Travelling Persons Advisory committee, Co. Library Advisory committee, Higher Education Grants advisory committee and Castlebar Swimming pool advisory committee.
Mr. Morrin was also as council director to the Belcarra Community Centre, Castlebar Sports Complex Ltd., Ballintubber Community Centre Ltd. and Manulla Community Centre Ltd.
He was an outspoken member in the chamber and was never afraid to cross swords with party colleagues, those on the opposite side of the house or officials.
Following the disappearance of Lord Lucan in November 1974 after the brutal murder of his children's nanny, Mr. Morrin claimed up to £30,000 was collected locally in ground rent payments. Since then he had been urging property owners to withhold payment, stating that the levies should be discharged only if Lucan appeared in person to collect them. Over the years Dick treated the Lucan story as his own and he made many international headlines as well as appearing on Television and radio interviews all over Europe.
He was a avid follower of the GAA, attending all of the County games and was a supporter and treasurer of the Castlebar Mitchels Club.
The remains of Mr. Morrin were taken from the Thomas Street Funeral Home, Castlebar to the Church of the Holy Rosary , Castlebar on Monday evening.
Burial took place in the old cemetery after Requiem Mass on yesterday (Tuesday). Members of Mayo County Council, Western Health Board, Castlebar Urban Council and Castlebar Mitchels formed a guard of honour at the removal of his remains and burial.
Mr. Morrin is survived by his wife Olga, daughter Melissa, sons Charles,
Richard and Padraig, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces and friends to whom
Connaught Telegraph - News - July 1996
Connaught Telegraph - Sport - July 1996
