Farewell to a Gentleman: Seán Dower is laid to rest

A wave of spontaneous applause filled the packed Holy Family Church on Luke Wadding Street on Friday last as the coffin of Seán Dower was carried shoulder-high from the church following his Funeral Mass. The moving tribute from family, friends and neighbours reflected the deep affection and respect in which Seán was held throughout Waterford.

As soloist Ray Collins performed the powerful song "Anthem" from the musical Chess, the congregation stood united in remembrance of a man whose life was defined by kindness, loyalty, service, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved.

It was a fitting farewell to a proud son of Andrews Street, who later made his home on nearby Morrisson’s Avenue, and whose influence stretched across politics, sport, the arts and community life.

Seán passed away peacefully at University Hospital Waterford on Tuesday, July 7, following a courageous battle with illness, surrounded by his devoted family. In the days that followed, countless messages of sympathy poured in from every corner of Waterford and beyond, each recalling the same qualities that came to define him throughout his life: decency, integrity and a genuine care for others.

The church was filled to capacity as mourners gathered to celebrate a life that had touched so many. His Funeral Mass, celebrated by Fr. Gerry Langford PP, was concelebrated by Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, Monsignor Pat Fitzgerald and Fr. Paul Waldron. Throughout the ceremony, there was a powerful sense of gratitude for a life extraordinarily well lived.

Symbols reflecting Seán’s many passions and achievements were carried to the altar before Mass. Items representing his lifelong love of Manchester United, Waterford hurling, Lucozade, the Waterford International Festival of Light Opera and a centenary medal recognising his contribution to Fianna Fáil painted a picture of a man whose interests were wide-ranging but always centred on people, community and belonging.

Former Fianna Fáil TD Martin Cullen delivered a heartfelt tribute at the beginning of the Mass, describing Seán as a man whose character could be summed up by a handful of simple but profound qualities.

“Seán Dower can be summed up in a few simple qualities: decency, kindness, trust, loyalty and honesty,” he said. “Those values defined him. They shaped the way he lived, the way he treated people and the way he conducted himself every day.” He also spoke movingly of a friendship that endured through good times and difficult moments alike, recalling a man who possessed a quiet strength and whose wisdom was often sought by others.

“Seán was a gentle, soft-spoken man, but when he had something to say, people listened,” he said.

Describing him as a confidant and steadfast friend, Martin Cullen reflected on Seán’s remarkable ability to bring comfort and reassurance to those facing challenges.

“When things became difficult, Seán was the person you wanted by your side. He had a way of steadying people, offering reassurance and reminding us that we would get through challenges together.” Politics was one of Seán’s lifelong passions, and his commitment to Fianna Fáil remained unwavering throughout his life. Having served with distinction as a councillor, he devoted countless hours to public service, always motivated by a desire to improve life for others rather than personal recognition.

He also noted that Seán’s reputation extended far beyond Waterford and revealed that former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern had contacted him to express sympathy to the family and recall the close friendship they had shared over many years.

“He spoke of the trust he placed in Seán’s honest judgement,” said Mr Cullen. “He asked me to thank Margaret and the family for sharing Seán with all of us and said simply, ‘Seán Dower was a good man.’ For me, that says everything.” Those simple words resonated deeply throughout the church because they captured exactly how so many people remembered him.

A particularly emotional moment came when Seán’s son, Jaimie, addressed the congregation on behalf of the family. His tribute painted a picture of a loving husband, father and grandfather whose greatest joy came from the people closest to him.

“The overwhelming number of tributes and messages of sympathy we have received since Dad’s passing has deeply touched our family. Across those messages, one word appeared more than any other: gentleman.” It was a description, he said, that perfectly captured his father.

“He was courteous, honourable and dedicated to serving his family, community and city.” Jaimie reflected on the lessons his father taught through example rather than words. Whether through involvement in politics, local organisations, sporting clubs or cultural events, Seán believed in rolling up his sleeves and helping wherever help was needed.

“He lived by a simple principle,” Jaimie said. “When something needed to be done for the greater good, you didn’t complain — you got on and did it.” That philosophy shaped not only Seán’s own life but those of his children and grandchildren, who witnessed firsthand the importance he placed on service, generosity and community spirit.

While remembered for his gentleness and kindness, Jaimie also recalled his father’s passion for sport, especially Waterford hurling. A proud supporter of Mount Sion and Waterford teams, Seán relished every journey to championship matches with family and friends, creating memories and stories that would be cherished for years to come.

His love of the arts formed another important chapter in his life. Through his involvement with the Waterford International Festival of Light Opera, Seán developed lifelong friendships and found immense fulfilment in volunteering, helping to ensure the continued success of one of the city’s most valued cultural institutions.

Yet despite his achievements in public life, sport and the arts, it was his family that remained at the centre of everything.

Jaimie spoke lovingly of a husband devoted to his wife, Margaret, and a father who celebrated every milestone and achievement in the lives of his children and grandchildren. His greatest pride was not found in titles or accomplishments but in the happiness and success of those he loved.

Even during his final illness, Seán remained true to the qualities that defined him throughout his life. He faced every challenge with courage, determination and remarkable dignity, inspiring those around him until the very end.

As family, friends, neighbours and colleagues filed from Holy Family Church, there was a shared sense that Waterford had lost one of its true gentlemen. Yet there was also immense gratitude for the legacy he leaves behind — a legacy rooted in kindness, service, friendship and love.

For those fortunate enough to have known him, Seán Dower’s example will endure long after the final applause faded. His life was one that enriched his community, strengthened his family and touched countless people along the way.

Above all, he will be remembered not simply for what he achieved, but for who he was — a gentleman in the truest sense of the word.