A life well-lived: Taoiseach, bishop, mayor and Limerick hurling manager pay their respects
Countless tributes have been paid to Sean Collins of Patrickswell and late of Abbeyfeale
THE ATTENDANCE of the Bishop of Limerick, the Mayor of Limerick, the Taoiseach and the Limerick senior hurling manager at his reposal was a testament to the high esteem in which the late Sean Collins was held.
Micheál Martin and John Kiely even made their way from Páirc Uí Chaoimh to Crecora after the Munster championship Limerick v Cork match to pay their respects.
Countless tributes have been paid to Mr Collins of Red House Hill, Patrickswell, County Limerick and late of Convent Road, Abbeyfeale who passed away on April 25.
The 93-year-old was poignantly laid to rest with his son John, who died aged 13, in Reilig Ide Naofa Cemetery, Abbeyfeale. The boy was killed by a motorcyclist while walking on the side of the road. Mr Collins was due to visit the grave of John to mark his 46th anniversary in the days before his passing but wasn’t well enough to do so.
His life was centred around politics, GAA, greyhounds, golf, shooting and, most importantly of all, family. Mr Collins is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Marion, sons James and Niall, daughters-in-law Trish and Eimear, grandchildren Enda, Eleanor, John, James, Conor and Kealon, his brother Gerry and sister Mary Carroll, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and his many friends.
The Collins Fianna Fail dynasty was started by Mr Collins’ father - James John Collins - who was a Fianna Fail TD for Limerick West from 1948 to 1967. During the Irish War of Independence, he took part in several attacks and operations against British Forces and served as Brigade Adjutant, West Limerick Brigade, Irish Republican Army. After his death, his son Gerry was elected as a TD and went on to hold a number of senior ministeries during his 32-year career.
Sean Collins’ son, Niall - the current Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine - has continued on that political legacy. The Collins’ are the longest continuing serving family in Dail Eireann.
Niall Collins recalled fondly that his father, despite his years, and his great friend Phil Bennis still went out campaigning for him in a couple of parishes at the last General Election.
Sean Collins, born in 1932, was educated at primary level in Abbeyfeale before attending St Munchin’s College in the city, where Henry Street garda station is today. The talented sportsman played minor football for Limerick.
Many won’t know that he was a teacher, qualifying from St Patrick’s College in Dublin. A classmate was the great Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh and they were lifelong friends.
Mr Collins taught in Offaly and Dublin where he studied in UCD at night time for a Bachelor of Commerce. He decided to leave the classroom for Bord na gCon where he rose through the ranks to become CEO.
In his spare time, Mr Collins loved a round of golf, which he learned to play in Adare GC and was a member of Limerick Golf Club and Lahinch Golf Club, where he was elected captain and president. Indeed, Mr and Mrs Collins were elected captains of the men’s and ladies club in the same year. Another pastime was shooting with Fedamore Gun Club.
The tributes run to 13 pages on rip.ie where Mr Collins is remembered as a “true gentleman” with a warm and caring personality, a wonderful storyteller and had a great sense of fun. His month’s mind Mass took place on Saturday, May 23. May he rest in peace.