Bishop Deenihan pays tribute to late John Bruton RIP

Statement from Tom Deenihan, Bishop of Meath

I was very sorry to hear of the death of John Bruton this morning. I offer my sincere sympathy and prayers to his wife Finola, son Matthew, daughters Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth, his brother Richard and to his sister Mary.

John will be remembered as a man of principle and virtue, which was evident in his successful tenure in public life and as Taoiseach from 1994 to 1997. He was also a man of faith who recognised the notions of service and the common good in his career as well as the importance of faith and parish. John was a valued and active member of the Dunboyne parish community.

He was also a person of integrity and stature and the people of Meath have always been proud of John’s leadership as both Taoiseach, and as European Ambassador to the United States, roles that he served with distinction.

John Bruton’s legacy to our society is that of a committed Christian, a patriot, a selfless public servant who innately understood that sacrifice was a perquisite to the common good.

On this sad day for John’s family, I pray for the happy repose of his soul, mindful of the blessing from the ritual:

Blessed are those who have died in the Lord;

Let them rest from their labours,

For their good deeds go with them.

He will be remembered warmly.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís.