Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was among a large crowd of mourners yesterday at the removal of former finance minister and Fianna Fáil stalwart Gene Fitzgerald, who passed away at the Bon Secours Hospital Cork last Friday at the age of 75.
Mr Fitzgerald, who was born in Crookstown, Co Cork, served as a TD in Cork for over 15 years, was an MEP for Munster and held two ministerial portfolios in the departments of Finance and Labour Affairs.
First elected to the Dáil for Cork South Central in 1972, Mr Fitzgerald never lost an election. He held his seat at each subsequent election until he retired from national politics in 1987.
He contested the 1984 European election for Munster and won a seat. He retained his seat in the 1989 European election and retired from politics five years later. However, he continued to serve Fianna Fáil as honorary secretary.
Chief mourners at yesterday's removal included Mr Fitzgerald's wife Noreen, his children Áine, Aileen, Aindrias, Niamh and Eimear, his sister Mamie and his brother Dan.
The removal at Wilton Funeral Home, Cork city, was attended by contemporaries of Mr Fitzgerald's such as his former running mate Tom Meaney, close friend Willie O'Brien and a large GAA and Fianna Fáil contingent.
Fianna Fáil was represented by, among others, Minister for Enterprise Micheál Martin, Ceann Comhairle John O'Donoghue, Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan, Minister of State Michael Ahern and Fianna Fáil Cork South Central TD Batt O'Keeffe.
Minister for Health Mary Harney represented the Progressive Democrats at the removal.
Gene Fitzgerald was a former vice-president of the Cork County GAA board and members and past members of the board joined with representatives from the Muskerry GAA board to provide a guard of honour.
Former Cork South Central Fianna Fáil TD John Dennehy paid tribute to his late colleague, saying that Mr Fitzgerald was a capable and knowledgeable politician who made a huge contribution to political life, both at local and national level.
"I shared a ticket with Gene on my first election in 1977. Jack Lynch added me to the ticket as the 'city boy'.
"Most of what I learned about politics I learned from Gene Fitzgerald. It was a great experience working with him. We were great friends.
"He was always very decisive - there was no messing with Gene. He was very knowledgeable, very helpful and very active up to the end. I considered him a great friend."
Mr Dennehy, who served as a TD in Cork until his retirement, said Mr Fitzgerald's loss was keenly felt by Fianna Fáil because he was "totally committed" to the party.
Fianna Fáil North Central TD Noel O'Flynn said Gene Fitzgerald was a "giant of man" in Irish politics who was respected in political and GAA circles.
His energy was said to have been legendary - while a full-time public representative he was also vice-president of the Cork county board of the GAA.
Mr Fitzgerald's Requiem Mass takes place at 2pm today at the Church of the Real Presence, Curraheen, Cork, with burial following at St Oliver's Cemetery. Mr Martin will give the oration.