Ernie was 'a quiet man of great wisdom'

There were glowing tributes to Ernie Caffrey at last week's meeting of Mayo County Council as members reflected on one of North Mayo's great political stalwarts.

Cllr Caffrey served as a Fine Gael representative on the council in the 1990s and early 2000s, while he also served for many years on Ballina Town Council and completed a term in Seanad Éireann from 1997 to 2002. He contested four general elections between 1989 and 2002. 

Speaking on 

On behalf of Fine Gael, Cllr Jarlath Munnelly said Mr Caffrey had served the public "with great distinction" and the highlight of his political career was when he served in the Seanad.

"He will always be remembered as a quiet man of great wisdom. When he spoke, people listened. He also had a very mild-mannered way, spoke with authority and had interesting things to say. 

"He was very committed to Ballina and its development and in relation to jobs and employment and infrastructure, he never failed to speak up for our part of the county and North Mayo. Even after he stepped down after the 2004 local elections, he worked with Moy Valley Resources and remained active on enterprise and job creation. 

"He was also deeply involved in athletics and into his 70s and 80s ran in competitive Masters events, so at the end of his career he did not really hang up his boots but put on his running shoes instead. 

"As a member of Fine Gael, he was so generous in the time he gave to the party and was always great at encouraging new people coming along in politics. We express our gratitude for the time he put into public life.” 

On behalf of Fianna Fáil, Cllr Annie May Reape said Mr Caffrey "was a very good friend". 

"To say he was a gentleman is an understatement. He was one of the nicest men you could meet, and politics never came into it. He was a committed community man who served on the board of Moy Valley Resources and the Chamber of Commerce for a long time. 

"He had a great understanding of the social and economic needs of Ballina and was full of wisdom and if you wanted any advice, you would be drawn to him. He was a highly intelligent man, who was very generous with his time. 

"He lived in Ballina over his business on Garden Street/Tone Street all his life, and we remember recent pictures where he met with US President Joe Biden and presented him with the stone from his ancestral home. Ernie wouldn’t want this praise today, but we must give it, because he was that kind of gentleman.” 

Fianna Fáil Cllr Al McDonnell added that he had the pleasure of serving with the late councillor on Mayo County Council from 1991 to 2004. 

“The first thing you think of about Ernie was, he was coolness personified. A decent, honourable man of absolute integrity, he never raised his voice because he never needed to. He spoke concisely on matters and there was silence as people listened. He was one of the most decent men that ever graced this chamber, and he made a significant contribution to Ballina and County Mayo and is a great loss to the people of Mayo. It was a pleasure to have known him. His like doesn’t come around too often.” 

Sinn Féin Cllr Gerry Murray said he had also served with Mr Caffrey from 1999 to 2004.

"He was a gentleman to his fingertips. We never had a row when on the council, we always got on and he would always give advice when you were a young councillor. He was a lovely man.” 

Independent councillor Cllr Michael Kilcoyne agreed that the late Ballina councillor was a very decent gentleman, adding he could be very witty.

Independent Cllr Richard Finn recalled a visit to his home by the late Cllr Caffrey and said: “In so far as you can have friends in this game, I could definitely call Ernie Caffrey my friend. He was a supreme businessman and worked very hard to get things done for his hometown. He gave time to everyone and Balllina will miss him, as of course will his family.” 

Cllr Gerry Coyle added: “I had the privilege of sitting here with Ernie Caffrey and what a gentleman he was. He would make his point, then sit down quietly and show respect to all. He did not have to practice being a gentleman as he always was one.”

Other councillors concurred with the sentiments expressed. It had been agreed at the start of the meeting that two councillors each would speak on behalf of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.

Prior to the meeting, Mayo Fine Gael Executive Chair and former MEP, Senator and TD, Jim Higgins, said:

“Ernie Caffrey was one of the great Fine Gael stalwarts of his generation and a proud son of Ballina. Throughout his life he was deeply committed to public service, community development and the values of Fine Gael. Whether serving on the local council, in Seanad Éireann or working quietly behind the scenes, Ernie always put people first.

“He was respected across political divides as a gentleman, a loyal colleague and a tireless advocate for his community. His contribution to public life in Mayo was immense and his legacy will endure through the many people he helped and inspired over the years.

“On behalf of Mayo Fine Gael, I extend our sincere sympathies to his children Liam, Declan, Elizabeth and Miriam, his grandchildren, extended family, neighbours and wide circle of friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.