Death of O Cuív's mother announced

The death has taken place of Emer Í Chuív, mother of Fianna Fáil TD Éamon and the last surviving daughter of former taoiseach…

The death has taken place of Emer Í Chuív, mother of Fianna Fáil TD Éamon and the last surviving daughter of former taoiseach and president Éamon de Valera.

Ms Í Chuív died in hospital in Dublin this morning. She was 93.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin extended his sympathies to the O Cuív family and recalled the fondness with which Ms Í Chuív was regarded.

"Éamon has often spoken of how his mother greatly encouraged him to enter politics and was a great source of strength to him throughout his political career," he said.

"She was particularly proud when he was appointed as minister of state with special responsibility for the Gaeltacht, Irish language and island development in 1997.

"I wish to extend my deepest sympathies and that of the Fianna Fáil party to Éamon and his family at this difficult time."

Ms Í Chuív was married to the Irish language professor Brian Ó Cuív, who died in 1999. They had nine children.

Ms Í Chuív’s remains will be removed to St Mary's Church, Haddington Road, Dublin 4 on Saturday, arriving at 4.30 pm. Requiem Mass will be held on Monday at 11am with burial afterwards in Glasnevin cemetery.