Obituary of Henry Tierney

by NCBI Chairman Margaret McDowell

It was with great sadness that I learnt of the death of Henry Tierney, our late Chairman. I had known him for many years, during which time he had become a dear friend as well as a highly esteemed colleague.

Henry was a caring and kind person and his years of dedication and long commitment to NCBI have left the organisation far richer and stronger. NCBI has benefited immensely from his wisdom and guidance. The growth and development of our work meant a great deal to him and we shall deeply miss his presence.

We extend our sincerest condolences to his wife, Rosemary, and his three sons, Richard, David and Henry.

On a personal note, I would like to say that I am honoured to follow in his footsteps as Chairman and I shall miss him greatly.

Margaret McDowell, Chairperson.

Henry was elected to serve on the NCBI Executive on March 8th 1955. He attended his first executive meeting on April 12th 1955. In that long 54 years of service Henry worked assiduously to further the work of NCBI. He was central to the planning of the proposed National Centre for the Blind at Rathmines in 1979-80 which was reneged on by the then Minister for Health.

Following this major set back, Henry was also central to NCBI being nominated as the recipients of The National Milk Run in 1982, a sum which was later to enable NCBI to purchase the old Drumcondra Hospital, which he personally surveyed for its new Headquarters. Over the years he had invested personal time and expertise in furthering the aims and values of NCBI and he is unique for the long years of service which he gave. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm usuail.