Richard Hourigan

Richard V. Hourigan (1 April 1939 – 9 November 2002) was a Fine Gael politician from County Limerick in Ireland. He was a senator for most of the years from 1982 to 1987, and from 1989 to 1993.

Background Richard Hourigan was born at the demesne The Orchards, Annagh, Lisnagry, County Limerick, Ireland, in April 1939. He was the second son of Mona Lane and James Hourigan, both originating from influential farming families in County Clare and County Limerick. He is also a first cousin of Paddy Lane, Michael Hourigan, and cousin of Neasa Hourigan.

He was educated at St Munchin's College, Limerick, and later at University College Dublin (UCD). Hourigan had a reputation as a formidable speaker, winning the president's gold medal for oratory while at UCD. Jim Farrelly's Who's Who in Irish Politics, 1990–1991, described Hourigan as "an able, witty speaker who is extremely knowledgeable on farming and on farmer politics".

Political career Hourigan stood unsuccessfully as a Fine Gael candidate for Dáil Éireann in the Limerick East constituency at the 1981 general election. In 1982, he was elected to the 16th Seanad on the Agricultural Panel, and was re-elected in 1983 to the 17th Seanad, serving until the 1987 elections. He was re-elected at the 1989 election to the 19th Seanad, but was defeated at the 1993 Seanad elections, and failed to regain the seat when he stood again in 1997.

Death He died in County Limerick on 9 November 2002. He was buried in Abington graveyard.