Tributes paid to a 'dedicated public servant made a significant contribution to Waterford'

The death has occurred of Sean Dower in Waterford.

Mr Dower was a hugely influential figure in Waterford.

A former Fianna Fáil councillor from 1999 to 2004, Mr Dower spent his life working with many of Waterford’s community organisations.

He was a former chair of Waterford Chomraile Dail Cheantir Fianna Fail, Waterford International Festival of Light Opera and a Peace Commissioner.

Mr Dower was also on the boards of Mercy Primary Schools, a member of Mount Sion GAA Club and was a volunteer with Spraoi, who have deferred their launch as a mark of respect.

“With great sadness, Spraoi has learned of the death of festival volunteer Sean Dower. Sean is also the father of Spraoi Chairperson Jaimie Dower. Our hearts are with Margaret, Jaimie, Adrian, Corinna, Mickey and the entire Dower family.

“Sean was a wonderful man who made a huge contribution to Waterford throughout his life. He will be sorely missed by all at Spraoi,” wrote Spraoi on Facebook.

Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Liam Brazil has opened an online book of condolences.

The council say he will be remembered as a “dedicated public servant who made a significant contribution to civic life of Waterford”.

Members of the public who wish to leave a message of sympathy and remembrance are invited to do so through the online Book of Condolence here.

Mr Dower was late of Andrews Street, Waterford and formerly of Waterford Stanley and ACEC.

He passed away peacefully at University Hospital Waterford, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, July 7.

Reposing at Thompson's Funeral Home, Barrack St, Waterford on Thursday, July 9, from 7pm to 8:30pm, his funeral mass will take place on Friday the Holy Family Church, Luke Wadding Street at 11am.

Burial will take place following mass in Ballybricken Cemetery.

Cllr Seamus Ryan extended his sympathies in a post on social media.

“So sorry to hear today of the death of former councillor Sean Dower. Sean was a gentleman and someone I looked on as a friend.

“He was a proud member of Fianna Fáil, and we were both members of Mount Sion GAA. I met Seán recently at the Mayoral reception for the Mercy School.

“My deepest sympathies to Sean’s wife, Margaret and to his family. May he rest in Peace,” wrote Cllr Ryan.

Mr Dower is predeceased by his parents, James and May and sadly missed by his beloved wife Margaret, his children Jaimie, Adrian and Corinna, his grandchildren Gabriel, Jack, Olivia, Eli, Eoin and Saibh and his brother Michael. He will be fondly remembered by his son-in-law Niall and daughters-in-law Nicola and Sinead, brothers-in-law, sisters -in-law, extended family and all his many friends.