Former Fine Gael TD Richard (Dick) Dowling has died at the age of 84.
He was elected to the Dáil as a Carlow/Kilkenny TD in 1982 where he served for one term until 1987
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Mr Dolwing was first elected as a Kilkenny County Councillor in 1974 where he would serve until his retirement in 2009
Dick was also a well known referee in GAA circles and had the honour of refereering three Senior County finals in the 70’s
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Speaking to KCLR News Councillor Fidelis Doherty said Mr Dowling was a go getter
Former EU Commissioner issued a statement to KCLR news:
‘Mo chomhbhron do clan Risteard Dulainn tar eis bas .’
“It is with great sadness that i learned of the death of Dick Dowling, former member of Kilkenny County Council and former member of dail and senate”.
“He served the people of Carlow /kilkenny and most especially South Kilkenny as a Fine Gael representative for 35 years with professionalism, competence and diligence. His passion for his native Glenmore , (where he was born in 1938) and south kilkenny were always prominent in his many deliberations and his support for projects at local and national level. Of course, his proximity to Waterford city brought him into regular debates regarding the extension of the Waterford boundary into county Kilkenny”.
“He fiercely resisted these proposals and he was successful. However, he tried to find common political ground with his political colleagues of all parties in Waterford which culminated in the major infrastructural advances of the past 20 years at Belview port and the motorway from Waterford to Dublin.
He was successfully elected to Seanad Eireann and Dáil Éireann from 1982 to 1987 and played a role in many national committees in Leinster House during the Garret Fitzgerald political era”.
“He loved his job as a secondary teacher at De La sale in Waterford city and this experience was utilised for the benefit of his students as well as public policy. His appetite for all sports was infectious especially the GAA and golf. He was a totally committed supporter of the “black and Amber”and rarely missed an important game. His competitive participation in golf events were well known particularly at Waterford Golf Club , where he was a life long member. In spite of this competitive streak, the members elected him Captain and President of the club. He coached numerous club teams and guided hundreds of young people in the skills of the game”.
“Dick was a good hurler with UCD and Glenmore which led to successes.
He continued his GAA involvement as a referee for many years after his playing days. His deep respect for Irish culture and language was displayed frequently by the spoken word and his participation at Eigse”.
“These are just some of the highlights of the political, educational and sporting career of Dick Dowling”.
“Personally, he was a good friend to me in good and bad times, for which i am grateful”.
“My sympathy to Maureen and his family. They were the people that mattered most of all . Ar Dheis de go raibh a anam dilis”.
