Funeral to be held for former Taoiseach John Bruton in Meath this weekend
Ie Of Taoiseach For Dublin Book John Sam Bruton Rollingnews Mansion In In / Condolences Boal The Former The House Picture: ©
Funeral arrangements have been announced for former Taoiseach John Bruton, who will be laid to rest in his native Dunboyne, Co Meath, this weekend.
Mr Bruton died on Tuesday following a long battle with illness, aged 76.
His removal will take place from 7pm on Friday at St Peter and Paul’s Church, Dunboyne. He will be laid to rest in Rooske Cemetery, following his requiem mass at St Peter and Paul’s Church at 11am on Saturday.
Mr Bruton is survived by his wife Finola, son Matthew, daughters Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth, grandchildren Ophelia, Hugo, Oliver and Robin, and sons-in-law Maxence and Eibi.
He is also dearly missed by his brother Richard and sister Mary, nieces and nephews and extended friends, family and colleagues.
Mr Bruton was Taoiseach from 1994 until 1997, and the leader of Fine Gael from 1990 to 2001. A number of tributes came pouring in following news of the former Taoiseach's death.
These were led by President Michael D Higgins who said that he had learned of Mr Bruton's passing "with sadness". He said he had seen Mr Bruton's contributions up close when he served as a minister in Mr Bruton's Cabinet.
"It was a privilege to serve as a member of Dáil Éireann and of Cabinet with John and, in particular, when he served as a very energetic Taoiseach from 1994 to 1997."
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar cited Mr Bruton as one of the reasons he entered politics and joined Fine Gael.
"He was always encouraging and supportive on a personal level, from my time in Young Fine Gael to my time as Taoiseach," Mr Varadkar said.
"We last spoke just before Christmas when he was unable to attend the Council of State due to his illness."
Tánaiste Micheál Martin paid tribute, describing the former Taoiseach as an “outstanding politician” and a “true patriot”.
Speaking in Washington DC ahead of a meeting with senior US politicians and officials from the Biden administration, Mr Martin said: “He was very sincere, and very committed, particularly to peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland,” he said.
Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill expressed her condolences to the Bruton family.
Speaking in the Assembly, she said: “I want to pass on my condolences to the family of former taoiseach John Bruton, who we’ve just been notified has sadly passed away. To his family and friends, we send them our condolences at this very sad time.”