Ruairi Brugha had ‘a deep sense of patriotism’

RUAIRI BRUGHA, the former Fianna Fáil TD and MEP who died yesterday, was described by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern as a person with a real passion for politics and a deep sense of patriotism.

The Taoiseach said during his political career Mr Brugha “immersed himself in the very noble task of fostering reconciliation and promoting greater North-South understanding”.

Born in 1918, Mr Brugha was the only son of prominent republican Cathal Brugha and his wife Caitlín.