Mayo Fianna Fáil chairman remembers 'a dedicated servant' and 'gentleman'
THE chairman of the Fianna Fáil organisation in Mayo has described former TD and Minister Sean Sean Calleary, whose death has taken place, as a true gentleman.
In a tribute to the deceased, Gerry McGuinness stated: “It is with great sadness we learned of the death of one of our party presidents in Mayo Fianna Fáil, former Junior Minister Sean Calleary.
Sean served his area with both passion and conviction over many years as a County Councillor, TD and Junior Minister.
“His love for Mayo, particularly his native North Mayo, shone through his politics and his non-political pursuits, especially his passion for sports.
“His quiet demeanour on and off the political field belied a sharp and curious brain which retained facts and brought them back at will whatever the discussion and made Sean a pleasure to chat to on any topic.
“He was always to be found deep in conversation, giving his viewpoint on the issues of the day. It’s fitting to remember Sean for what he was, a gentleman, as he was considered across the political divide to be, willing to talk to anyone on an issue and show the greatest respect to all, even those he disagreed with.
“His continued contribution to the Fianna Fáil party in the constituency after his retirement was invaluable and was rewarded when he saw his son Dara elected to represent Mayo in Dail Eireann.
“Ballina, north Mayo and the entire county has lost a dedicated servant and Mayo Fianna Fáil expresses its deepest sympathy to his wife Doris, children Siofra, Dara, Conall and John, his extended family and all his many friends.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h'anam.”
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, has expressed his condolences to the family of the late Sean Calleary, the former TD for Mayo East and Government Minister.
Minister Ring said: “I was very sorry to learn of the passing of Sean Calleary. He served the people of Mayo and Ireland very well as TD and Minister. I want to offer my sincere sympathies to his wife, Doris, and to his children, Siofra, John, Conall and Dara on the loss of Sean.”
In a statement, former Taoiseach Enda Kenny said: “I sincerely regret the passing of former Fianna Fáil councillor, TD and Minister of State, Seán Calleary.
“I served with Seán for many years on Mayo County Council and as a deputy in Leinster House. Seán was a fearless defender of Ballina and Mayo.
“As an engineer, he brought the quality of strategic thinking to his politics, particularly in respect of the development of the West.
“As a young deputy, Seán Calleary often gave me advice on particular political difficulties that arose from time to time.
“As a rugby player, Seán understood what team effort was like and brought that to fruition with his native Ballina. He was also an avid supporter of Mayo senior footballers over the years. Ballina has lost one of its finest sons.
“To his wife Doris, daughter Siofra, sons John, Conall and Dara, who proudly continues his father’s legacy, and to the entire Calleary family, I pass on my deepest sympathies.”