Taoiseach pays tribute to Seán Dower

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has paid tribute to Seán Dower, who passed away yesterday following a life of service to politics, art and sport in Waterford.

Mr. Dower 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.

The Taoiseach said today: "Seán Dower was a friend for many years. A former councillor, Seán embodied the best of public service. A wise and caring man, Seán loved his community and both as a councillor and subsequently, worked hard to improve the lives of his fellow citizens.

"Seán contributed greatly to Fianna Fáil. He chaired our constituency executive, our CDC, for many years. He also worked tirelessly with many other local organisations, Boards of Management, the GAA, and other local organisations."

The Taoiseach also reflected on meeting Seán in early May, when he presented him with a lifetime service award on behalf of Fianna Fáil.

"Seán believed in getting things done and he did so in an effective, understated and caring way. He was a wise man, great company and a good friend to all of us in Fianna Fáil. We will miss him greatly.

"On my own behalf, and on behalf of the Fianna Fáil organisation, I offer my deepest sympathy to Seán’s wife Margaret, his children Jaimie, Adrian and Corinna, his grandchildren along with the wider Dower family."