The funeral Mass of former Fianna Fáil Senator Mr Des Hanafin took place at 12.00 noon today, in the Cathedral of The Assumption, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, with chief celebrant Rev Fr Tomas O’Connell.
The ceremony was attended by a large crowd, which included former Tánaiste and leader of the Progressive Democrats, M/s Mary Harney and her husband Mr Brian Geoghegan; former Independent politician & Senator M/s Avril Power with her Thurles born husband Mr Fionnan Sheahan (Journalist Independent.ie); former North Tipperary retired TD Mr Michael Smith; the currently serving Galway West TD Mr Éamon Ó Cuív; Tipperary Independent TD Mr Michael Lowry; Dublin Bay North TD Mr Sean Haughey; Meath East TD Mr Thomas Byrne; Leader of the Fianna Fáil party, Mr Micheál Martin, and Tipperary TD Mr Jackie Cahill, latter two who both led the Guard of Honour.
While in his 86th year, the much loved Mr Hanafin passed away on Thursday last, survived by his wife Mona; his daughter, the former Fianna Fáil Deputy Leader and Minister Mary Hanafin, and his son, the former Senator John Hanafin.
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Born on September 9th, 1930, in Thurles, Co Tipperary, Mr Hanafin was first elected to North Tipperary County Council in 1955 and subsequently served as Chairperson.
He was first elected to the Seanad in 1965 and retained that seat until 1993, before regaining same in 1997, before finally retiring from politics in 2002. Mr Hanafin was unsuccessful in two Dáil elections for Tipperary North in 1977 and 1981.
Despite retiring from active politics in 2002, he continued to support efforts to retain the Eighth Amendment and pledged to support that campaign. He also opposed the marriage equality referendum in 2015.
Leading tributes to Mr Hanafin, Leader of Fianna Fáil, Mr Micheál Martin expressed his sadness at Mr Hanafin’s death, describing him as being “a man steeped in politics and community. Seeing both his children achieve high office was a source of great pride to him.”
Mr Hanafin’s remains reposed at Hugh Ryans’ Funeral Home, Slievenamon Rd, Thurles yesterday Saturday, before arriving at the Cathedral of the Assumption, Thurles at 8.30pm yesterday evening.
Mr Hanafin was interred, following his Funeral Mass today, in St Patrick’s Cemetery, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
To the family and extended relatives, go our heartfelt sympathy.
Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.
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