|
Taoiseach pays tribute to proud Irishman Wilson TAOISEACH
Bertie Ahern has paid tribute to a loyal friend and proud Irishman as
he bade farewell to former Tanaiste John Wilson.
A Fianna Fáil guard of honour lined the way for the Tricolour-draped
coffin as many politicians and high-ranking members of the defence forces
joined with family and friends to pay tribute to the politician.
Hundreds of mourners packed the Church of the Good Shepherd at Churchtown
in Dublin to pay their respects to the 84-year-old father-of-five.
Leading the mourners were his wife Ita, his son John and daughters Claire,
Siobhan, Lucy and Maria.
Mr Wilson died the day after his 84th birthday at St. James’ Hospital
in Dublin.
The Taoiseach told the congregation John Wilson had a long career of achievement
both as a political and sporting figure.
He was a TD for 20 years and held posts in seven government departments.
On the sportsfield he played for Cavan in a career which brought him two
All-Ireland medals and five Ulster Football Championships.
Mr Ahern said: “Through decades of activism in the sporting, cultural
and political life of the country John Wilson contributed his talents
to his students and teaching colleagues in the sphere of education and
to the community from which he came which later elected him to political
office.” |
