Patrick Lenihan held the distinction of being the only parent to be elected to the Oireachtas when his child was already a member.
11 Facts About Patrick Lenihan
1.
2.
Patrick Lenihan was born 4 September 1902 in Ennistymon, County Clare, son of Patrick Lenihan, a teacher, and Hannah Lenihan.
3.
Patrick Lenihan was educated at Garbally College, Ballinasloe, and University College Galway, he graduated a year late because of his involvement with the IRA during the Irish War of Independence.
4.
Patrick Lenihan was an Inspector of Taxes in Dundalk, County Louth, before being appointed by Sean Lemass to run the Gentex textiles company in Athlone.
5.
Patrick Lenihan was involved for some years in the Hodson Bay Hotel on Lough Ree, and was instrumental in the establishment of the All-Ireland amateur drama festival.
6.
Patrick Lenihan had some success as a hurler with Westmeath during the 1930s.
7.
Patrick Lenihan won a Leinster Junior Hurling Championship and an All-Ireland Junior Hurling Championship in 1936.
8.
Patrick Lenihan beat the long-serving Fine Gael TD Sean Mac Eoin in the famous "long count", by thirteen votes.
9.
Patrick Lenihan was re-elected to the Dail at the 1969 general election and died suddenly in 1970.
10.
Patrick Lenihan's seat was taken at the subsequent by-election by Fine Gael's Patrick Cooney who subsequently went on to serve as a Minister.
11.
Patrick Lenihan was the only member of his family to serve in the Dail who was not appointed a Minister at some stage in his career.