Ahern among hundreds of mourners at Martin removal
The 89-year-old, well known as “The Champ”, passed away on Sunday with his family at his side.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny and former taoiseach Brian Cowen attended a rosary at Sullivan’s Funeral Home, Turners Cross on Monday night.
At the removal to Christ the King Church were former Fianna Fáil ministers Joe Walsh, Joe Carey and John O’Donoghue, as well as Gerry Collins, John Moloney, and Michael Smith.
Mr Martin’s constituency colleague, Michael McGrath TD, was also amongst the crowds as was North Central TD Billy Kelleher and several former City councillors.
Mourners also came from across the political divide with Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney also paying his respects. Former senator Ann Ormonde and former Dublin South Central TD Sean Ardagh also attended. Mr Martin’s brother Sean is a city councillor and also a former lord mayor.
Their father was a bus driver for many years and a boxer who represented Ireland on many occasions.
He was originally from the Dillon’s Cross area of Cork and had strong connections with Glen Rovers Boxing Club and St Nicholas GAA Club.
Although he was asked on a number of occasions, Paddy Martin never stood for election.
His requiem Mass is due to take place today at 11am with burial afterwards at St James’s Cemetery.
