by Caoimhinn Barr, Inishowen Independent
A Cockhill businessman has paid tribute to his late
cousin Fianna Fáil TD Brian Lenihan, who was buried
last week after losing his battle with cancer.
Cathal Cullen travelled to Mr Lenihan’s wake in
Blanchardstown to sympathise with the former finance
minister's family. Cullen’s grandmother and Brian
Lenihan’s grandfather were brother and sister.
Cathal sympathised with Brian’s brother Conor on
Monday afternoon before returning home to Inishowen.
“I felt it was important to be there to represent
the family. I paid my respects to the family and
signed a book of condolence,” he said.
The popular Cockhill shop owner said despite the
fact that he knew Brian was ill, his death still
came as a shock.
“We knew it was coming but it was still a surprise.
Brian hadn’t been in the Dáil since March. He was a
gentleman,” Cathal added.
The only Fianna Fáil TD to retain his seat in Dublin
after the last general election, Brian Lenihan was
buried following funeral Mass at St Mochta's Church
near Dublin last Tuesday. Mr Lenihan, who was deputy
leader of Fianna Fáil, had been diagnosed with
pancreatic cancer in December 2009.
He is survived by his wife Patricia, a judge, and
children Clare (15) and Tom (19). |
