‘Dedicated, hard working, and determined’
The late Fine Gael councillor and local businessman Philip ‘Phil’ Miney has been described as a “good public representative, dedicated, hard working and determined” in tributes paid following his recent death.
Mr Miney, Kiltrasna, Corlismore, Ballinagh, passed away peacefully at Cavan General Hospital last Friday, September 29.
A pork and bacon wholesaler and a passionate supporter of Cornafean GAA, Mr Miney served the club in various capacities down through the years. At first as player, but after injury put paid to his playing days, he continued his support of the Reds from behind the scenes - initially as assistant secretary and later as club chairman.
In 1991, Mr Miney was one of three Fine Gael representatives elected to Cavan County Council from what was then the Ballyjamesduff area. He remained a county councillor until 1999 for what was an elongated term due to the postponement of the scheduled 1998 local elections.
A beef farmer and proprietor of Philip Miney Meats Ltd, he lost his seat in 1999 in a reverse of the situation that saw party colleague Robert Fausset deposed eight years earlier.
During his time as an elected official, and vice-chair in 1998, Mr Miney proved a popular figure with his finger on the pulse of a great many issues. He wasn’t scared to stare down opposition either, as summed up when he criticised Bord Luthchleas na hEireann (BLE, now Athletics Ireland) over their treatment of Cavan athlete and fellow Cornafean native Catriona McKiernan. Mr Miney hit headlines by calling on then Minister for Sport, Dr Jim McDaid, to “put manners” on BLE so that Irish athletes could “give of their best” on the international stage.
He was a firm supporter of farmers’ rights, and served during his tenure on the Lough Oughter & Gowna and the River Erne Drainage District Joint Committee.
Mr Miney was a member of the Fine Gael party for over 20 years before becoming a councillor, and was chairman of the Lossett Branch of the party locally.
A seasoned campaigner by then, Mr Miney stood again in 2009, this time in the Belturbet area, following a realignment of the area boundaries, but his attempt failed to gain traction.
Fine Gael Senator Joe O’Reilly, who served on Cavan County Council alongside Mr Miney for a period, paid tribute to his good friend.
Deeply saddened by Mr Miney’s passing, Sen O’Reilly said offered his sympathy to Mr Miney’s family, friends and wider community.
“Phillip was a good public representative, dedicated, hard working, and determined. He was a great character, witty and always good humoured. He was also a successful businessman. He bore a long illness with his trademark humour and optimism,” concluded Sen O Reilly.
Outside of politics, sport, and his work, Mr Miney was also a member and supporter of the Vintage Tractor Club and Arva Festival Committee.
At his funeral mass guards of honour from elected members and many friends in Fine Gael and Cornafean GAA. His coffin was draped in a red jersey.
His Funeral mass was celebrated by Fr Andrew Tully, PP, assisted by Fr Farrell Cawley, at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Coronea, las Sunday, October 1, with burial after in the adjoining cemetery. .
Mr Miney’s close friend Seán Kelly piped the funeral procession from the church to the graveyard afterwards.
Mr Miney was predeceased by his parents Philip and Maria, sister Kathleen Miney and brother-in-law Nathy Cawley. He is survived by his brothers John Joe, Cathal and Packie; sisters Mary and Teresa; sister-in-law Mary; brother-in-law Gerry; nieces and nephews; extended family and friends.
May he rest in peace.