Tributes as former minister Seán Calleary - father of FF deputy leader Dara - passes away

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin paid tribute to the former Mayo TD saying: "Ireland has lost one of its greatest public servants".

Mr Martin said: “Seán served his county of Mayo as a TD for 19 years, and served as a Government Minister for eight years.

“He served with distinction and honour in the 1980s and early 1990s as Minister of State in the Departments of Labour and Public Service, Industry and Commerce and then Foreign Affairs," he added.

Mr Martin also spoke of Mr Calleary's involvement with the GAA as well as rugby.

“A fine sportsman and sports administrator, Seán played junior football with Mayo, and also donned the colours of Galwegians and Connacht albeit under an assumed name because of the GAA ban.

“Following his playing career he performed leadership roles in both Mayo CLG as selector and Connacht rugby as President of the Connacht branch of the IRFU.

"He was particularly pleased to be inducted into the Mayo Sports Star Hall of Fame in 2014," Mr Martin added.

He said: “Seán was proud of all of his children’s achievements, and of course, he took great pride in his son, Dara, being elected to serve the people of Mayo in Dáil Éireann in 2007 and at every subsequent election.

“During his life, Seán made an enormous contribution to his county, his region and his country. He will be greatly missed.

“My thoughts and sympathies, and those of the entire Fianna Fáil organisation go out to his wife, Doris, his sons Conal, John and Dara and his daughter Síofra at this sad time," Mr Martin said.

Fine Gael's Enda Kenny also offered tributes.

“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.”

Minister Michael Ring has also expressed his condolences to the family of the late Seán Calleary.

Minister Ring said: “I was very sorry to learn of the passing of Seán 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 Seán.”