'A gentleman of integrity': Tributes paid to former TD from Limerick

LIMERICK City TD Willie O'Dea has paid a warm tribute following the passing of a former Fianna Fail TD who hailed from Doon.

Liam Fitzgerald, who represented Dublin North-East between 1981 and 1997, save for an eight month period, has gone to his God this week.

"He was a very close personal friend of mine. I am very upset, I didn't expect it," said Mr O'Dea.

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"His family from Doon were always strong supporters of mine".

Born in Doon on September 1, 1949, Mr Fitzgerald was educated at the Christian Brothers School in the village.

He then went onto St Patrick's College in Dublin, and University College Dublin.

Before becoming involved in politics, he worked as a teacher.

He was first elected to Dail Eireann at the 1981 General Election, before losing his seat at the following February's count.

However, he was back at the November election that year, and remained in situ until 1997 when he missed out on re-election.

Famously, Mr Fitzgerald was one of the 'gang of four' who proposed a motion of No Confidence in Taoiseach Charles Haughey, which led to the premiership of Albert Reynolds.

However, the Doon man remained on the backbenches.

He served in Seanad Eireann between 1997 and 2007, on the Labour panel.

"A gentleman of integrity" is how former Justice Minister and Limerick TD Gerry Collins described Liam Fitzgerald.

Sitting Limerick TD Richard O'Donoghue, Independent Ireland, wrote in a tribute on www.rip.ie: "Deepest sympathy to the Fitzgerald family on the death of Liam. May he rest in peace."

Former mayor of Limerick Gerald Mitchell added: "My deepest condolences to all the family relations and friends may Liam's gentle soul rest in eternal life"

Charlie Haughey's son, Seán Haughey, a former TD for Dublin Bay North described Mr Fitzgerald as "a highly respected TD".

"In more recent years it was a pleasure to serve with him on the board of Suaimhneas Clubhouse, Raheny. He will be greatly missed by us all. May he rest in peace," said Mr Haughey.

Another former TD Conor Lenihan added: "Liam was a great colleague and it was a privilege to serve with him in Leinster House. He also served with my father the late Brian Lenihan Sr. The party is very much at a loss without him. Condolences to all his family."

Fianna Fail grandee Pat 'the Cope' Gallagher took time to pay his own tribute, as did Br James Dormer, formerly of Doon.

Liam Fitzgerald passed away on Wednesday, June 11, in the loving care of the staff at St Gabriel's Nursing Home in Raheny, on Dublin's northside.

The beloved husband of Bríd, and much-loved father of Gearóid, Ronan, Ann-Marie, Liam and Bríd and their Spouses and Partners, Claire, Natasha, Mark and Eimear, and Grand-Children, Killian, Aisling, Cian, Ryan, Andrea, Seán and Hugo. Liam will be dearly missed by his family and his many relatives and friends.

May he rest in peace.

He will repose at Jenning's Funeral Home, in Springdale Road, Raheny, this Friday evening June 13, between 4pm and 6pm. His removal will take place on Saturday morning to St Brendan’s Church, Coolock, arriving for funeral Mass at 11am followed by Burial at Balgriffin Cemetery, Carrs Lane, Balgriffin.

Family flowers only, but donations if desired to The Alzheimer Society of Ireland.