Councillor Pat Karney, known as 'Mr Manchester' for his tireless work championing the city, has died at the age of 78. His death on Tuesday (October 13) came after nearly 50 years as a local councillor, sparking tributes from across Manchester and the political world, including from the Prime Minister in the House of Commons on Wednesday.
A lifetime of service to Manchester
Andy Burnham said Pat served Manchester for almost 50 years as a councillor 'in such a dedicated way'. "He saw the city through some of its greatest challenges," he said. "He has fittingly been called Mr Manchester on the front page of the Manchester Evening News today. Thank you, Pat, for your contribution to Manchester and to politics in our country."
Coun Karney was the town hall's city centre spokesman and one of the pivotal figures in the regeneration of the city centre following the 1996 IRA bombing, chairing the committee established to oversee its rebirth. The Labour councillor was a director of non-for-profit city centre management company Cityco from 2000 and a director at tourism body Marketing Manchester between 2002 and 2014.
The annual Manchester Day celebration was Coun Karney's idea and will be among his great many legacies. Coun Karney was also a staunch advocate for gay rights, including in the 1980s when Manchester council fought against Clause 28.
Residents remember a 'lovely man'
His death sparked a wave of tributes from across the political spectrum, with a book of condolence opened on Wednesday at Manchester Central Library, where a flag will be flying at half-mast in tribute. Former Manchester council leader, now Greater Manchester mayor, Bev Craig was among those to hail Coun Karney. She said: "Across Manchester and across politics, many will mourn the loss of Pat Karney, a force of nature who served our city for half a century. My thoughts are with his family, who he treasured and adored, at this difficult time. He will always be in our hearts."
After the death of Coun Karney on Tuesday (October 13), the Manchester Evening News took to Harpurhey High Street to hear some of his former constituents' tributes. Easy Coffee, in Harpurhey Shopping Centre, was a regular spot attended by Pat who used to visit monthly with his wife and chat with customers.
Jim, 60, a regular at the café, said: "He was a nice guy and used to come into the café a lot. I didn't actually know he was ill, so I'm shocked to hear he's died. I was aware of him mainly for the last three years, and always thought he was a lovely guy." Warisha Khan, 20, an employee at the café also described him as a "popular regular".
A legacy of advocacy and community
Pat represented Harpurhey since 1979 and has been one of the city's most prominent politicians for much of that time. After moving to Harpurhey aged nine from Dublin, he remained proud of his Irish roots and was heavily involved in the local Irish community.
Mark Grimwood, 54, a butcher at Lancashire Meat Co, Harpurhey, said Pat was a strong advocate for local markets, supporting traders at Grey Mare Lane and Harpurhey for many years. "At Grey Mare Lane, he fought for the traders, the local community and the future of the market as Manchester City FC acquired land in the surrounding area," says Mark. "Despite his efforts, the financial power of the football club presented a formidable challenge. Pat understood that markets were about more than just buying and selling, they were an important part of the local community, providing livelihoods, bringing people together and preserving a sense of local identity. His commitment to standing up for market traders and representing their interests, even in the face of powerful opposition, deserves to be remembered as part of his legacy in local public life."
Pat was a big campaigner of gay rights in Manchester in the 1980s, particularly when the city's community faced hostility and open police raids in the Gay Village. He will also be widely remembered as the city's resident Christmas-spokesperson as he played a big role in ensuring the Christmas markets got bigger and better every year.
'The world is a sadder place without him'
Linda Attwood, 79, Harpurhey, said: "He was a lovely man. The world is a sadder place without him and he will be missed especially around here. I really identified with his campaigning for gay rights as I have a son who is gay who has struggled at times. Pat was ahead of his time campaigning when he was. He was all for the local people, and he did what he did all of his life for the good of Manchester."
Pat was well-known by many of the residents in Harpurhey, who remember him as a local campaigner and dedicated councillor as well as a Manchester legend. Tom Bailey, 73, Harpurhey, said: "I've known him for years and years so it's very sad news. 78 doesn't seem old at all these days to die. He was approachable and not a career politician which is great to see. Any councillor around here to make a difference is greatly appreciated."
A woman from Blackley also fondly recalled her own links to Pat who met her mum in her late 80s. "My mum and Pat had differing political views, after she wrote to the MEN he agreed to meet her in town to discuss what she thought about rose vendor traps on the street. She held it against him that he didn't take her to Debenhams café as promised. But she really appreciated that he took the time to meet her." Harpurhey residents will remember Pat as a friendly, warm character who spent 50 years serving their ward.
