“A man of the highest calibre” – Tributes pour in for Sean Dower
Sean Dower canvassing alongside Minister Mary Butler in Waterford during the 2024 General Election
Tributes continue to pour in for Sean Dower, a man who made extraordinary contributions to civic life in Waterford across many decades.
Mr. Dower passed away on Tuesday following a life of service to politics, art and sport.
He was highly respected within the arts community, serving as Chair of the Waterford International Festival of Light Opera and was a committed volunteer with Spraoi.
He was also a lifelong member and proud supporter of Mount Sion GAA Club.
He served as a Fianna Fáil councillor on the former Waterford Corporation from 1999 to 2004 and also held the position of Chair of the party’s Waterford branch.
In May of this year, Taoiseach Micheal Martin presented Mr. Dower with a lifetime achievement award on behalf of the Fianna Fáil party.
Minister Mary Butler said this week she was deeply saddened by the passing of her good friend.
“Sean was a wonderful friend to me, a supporter, a canvasser, and mentor. He had a keen political mind and was always very level headed and balanced even in the midst of intense campaigns and elections.
“As a former Fianna Fáil councillor himself, he held a deep understanding of political life, the daily challenges, the highs, and the lows.
“Sean contributed greatly to Fianna Fáil, as Chairman of Waterford CDC and a very active party member. He was also a strong community man and contributed significantly to all aspects of local life, whether through his beloved GAA Club Mount Sion, or the many other organisations he was very involved in.
“He was a man of the highest calibre and truly one of nature’s gentlemen. He will be dearly missed by all in Fianna Fáil and Waterford.”
Minister Butler expressed her condolences to Sean’s wife Margaret, his family, and friends.
