Micheál Martin's father Paddy passes away

THE father of Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin, Paddy Martin, has died.

Mr Martin was a sports star and social activist in Cork City long before he became synonymous with his son’s political career.

He died late yesterday afternoon with his family at his side. Despite being active in later life Mr Martin’s health had worsened in the last year.

His wife, Eileen “Lana” Martin, passed away in 2010. At the time, Micheál said his father was “brokenhearted”.

Micheál Martin has always praised his father’s political ethos, Fianna Fáil roots and community activism for whetting his appetite. During last year’s election campaign the new party leader used his father’s record as an acclaimed boxer as a rallying cry for Fianna Fáil grassroots around the country, who he was imploring to fight for every last vote.

The party’s deputy leader, Éamon Ó Cuív, offered condolences on behalf of Fianna Fáil and said he was “deeply saddened”.

Mr Martin hailed from Clank Atane on Cork’s northside. He boxed with The Glen and represented the Irish team 13 times in the 1950s.

He worked as a bus driver for CIÉ and was involved in setting up the bus drivers’ union and fundraising for its widows and orphans’ fund.

He and his wife set up home near her family in Turners Cross where they had three sons, Padraig, Micheál and Sean, and two daughters, Máiréad and Eileen.