George C. Bennett (Irish politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George C. Bennett
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Thomas Westropp Bennett and George C. Bennett (right), circa 1928
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| Senator | |
| In office April 1948 – August 1951 |
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| Constituency | Nominated by the Taoiseach |
| Teachta Dála | |
| In office June 1927 – February 1948 |
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| Constituency | Limerick |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1877 Limerick, Ireland |
| Died | 20 June 1963 (aged 85–86) Limerick, Ireland |
| Political party |
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| Relatives | Thomas Westropp Bennett (brother) |
George Cecil Westropp Bennett was an important Irish politician. He was born in 1877 and passed away in 1963. He was a member of two political parties, Cumann na nGaedheal and Fine Gael. He served in the Irish government from 1927 to 1951.
Life and Early Career
George C. Bennett was born in 1877 in County Limerick, Ireland. His family lived on an estate called Ballymurphy. His father was Captain Thomas Westropp Bennett. George also had an older brother, Thomas Westropp Bennett, who was also a politician. Thomas was a Senator and even led the Irish Free State Senate for a time.
Before becoming a politician, George C. Bennett spent several years farming in Canada. He then returned to Limerick. He became a local leader, serving as a magistrate and a county councillor. He also helped manage the local hospital and was involved in many other helpful projects in his community.
Political Journey
George C. Bennett was a farmer who decided to enter politics. In June 1927, he was elected to Dáil Éireann, which is the main house of the Irish parliament. He represented the Limerick area. At first, he was part of the Cumann na nGaedheal party. Later, he joined the Fine Gael party.
During his time in the Dáil, George C. Bennett was well-known for supporting farmers. He always spoke up for the interests of agriculture. After the boundaries of the Limerick area changed, he was not re-elected in the 1948 general election. However, the leader of the government, John A. Costello, then chose him to be a member of the Seanad Éireann. The Seanad is the other house of the Irish parliament. He served there until 1951.
Personal Life and Legacy
George C. Bennett was very knowledgeable about farming and money matters. He inherited an estate called Rathaney from his sister, Jane Bennett. Because he was financially independent, he gave all of his salary from being a politician to help the people he represented.
He passed away in June 1963 and was never married. He enjoyed hunting and was known for breeding special kinds of animals. He bred bloodstock (horses) and pedigree dogs. The Milltown Irish Red Setters are a lasting reminder of his passion for dogs.
After he died, The Irish Times newspaper wrote that he was a "popular public representative." This means people liked him as a politician. In 2008, another important politician, Liam Cosgrave, said that in 60 years, he never heard anyone say a bad word about George Bennett. This shows that George C. Bennett was highly respected by everyone.
