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Congratulations to Dr Quinlivan on the launch of First Citizen
First Citizen was launched in Cork City Hall on Tuesday 14 November 2023 by Lord Mayor, Councillor Kieran McCarthy. The book, co-written by Aodh Quinlivan and John Ger O鈥橰iordan, tells the story of Se谩n French, Cork鈥檚 longest-serving, twelve-term Lord Mayor.
French came to prominence during a period of revolutionary change and turmoil, earning a deserved reputation as an eloquent, intelligent and passionate man who possessed an unyielding fidelity to principle. His extraordinary political life unfolded against a backdrop of the War of Independence, the Burning of Cork, the Civil War and the dissolution of Cork Corporation. French was also a founding member of Fianna F谩il and he was twice elected to D谩il 脡ireann.
At a personal level, Se谩n French was quiet, studious, and unassuming, occasionally austere and even dour. However, when in the company of family and friends at social occasions, he came alive and could be gregarious and charming, often demonstrating a wicked sense of humour. He took a keen interest in sport, especially rugby, rowing and cricket. Undoubtedly, Se谩n French was an outstanding figure in public life who was held in high esteem by all. His contributions in the D谩il, Cork Corporation, the Harbour Board and numerous other public bodies and charities of which he was a member, were consistently eloquent, intelligent and passionate. A keynote of his character was his straightforwardness, integrity and unyielding fidelity to principle.
The office and status of Lord Mayor lives on in Cork city and many great men and women have held the position, but Se谩n French has the unique distinction of being the longest-serving First Citizen. For that alone, he warrants a prominent place in the rich history of Cork, the city he loved and served unconditionally throughout his life.
First Citizen forms part of Cork City Council鈥檚 1920-1923 Commemoration Programme and is published by Cork City Libraries. It is available in Waterstone鈥檚 and Vibes and Scribes.

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