Stephen Maguire

The death has taken place of renowned Donegal politician and businessman Bernard McGlinchey.

The Fianna Fáil stalwart, who served as a senator between 1961 and 1981, was aged 80.

Mr McGlinchey served at almost every level of public life, including as a Donegal county councillor and Letterkenny urban district councillor.

He stood for election to the Dáil in 1973, 1981 and 1982 but was unsuccessful each time.

However, Mr McGlinchey’s contribution to local life in Co Donegal is where his huge contribution will be remembered.

From Covehill in Letterkenny, Mr McGlinchey was involved in many committees including the first committee to bring a swimming pool to Letterkenny.

He was a member of the North Western Health Board for many years.

He holds a record for participating in the longest debate in Seanad Éireann, at more than 12 hours.

Among the many honours he received in his lifetime was the naming of Letterkenny’s town park after him.

An astute businessman, Mr McGlinchey founded the Golden Grill nightclub which was a major part of the social fabric of Donegal for decades.

Mr McGlinchey passed away last evening at his home in Blue Banks, Kilmacrennan.