Politicians unite in sympathy after death of Flor Noonan

The political world has expressed its sympathies to Michael Noonan following the death of the finance minister’s wife, Florence.

Mrs Noonan died on Thursday, aged 68, in Milford Hospice, Co Limerick, after falling ill with pneumonia.

She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in her mid-50s and had been in nursing home care in recent years.

In May 2010, Mr Noonan spoke movingly on RTÉ’s Frontline programme of her battle with the disease and the effect it had on their family.

In a statement yesterday, Enda Kenny expressed his “deep condolences” on behalf of the Government with the Noonan family.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Michael, their daughters and sons, and their extended family at this time of great loss.”

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore also expressed his sympathies, as did a number of political colleagues.

Fianna Fáil leader Michael Martin said: “Michael has spoken publicly in the past about the brave battle his wife has had with her condition over many years, and I know this was warmly appreciated by many families across the country that are in similar circumstances.”

The finance minister’s constituency colleague in Limerick City, Fine Gael TD Kieran O’Donnell, said Florence Noonan “was a true lady, hugely liked and widely respected” and a “great wife and mother”.

Known to family and friends as Flor, Mrs Noonan was a native of Kerry and had been a teacher by profession.

Married to Mr Noonan for 43 years, the couple had five children, all now adults: Daughters Deirdre and Orla, and sons Tim, John, and Michael.

She is also survived by her brother Norman, sisters Alice, Helen, Bridie, and Kathleen.

Mrs Noonan’s remains will repose at Griffin’s Funeral Home in Limerick today from 4pm before removal at 8pm to St Paul’s church in Dooradoyle.

Requiem Mass will take place tomorrow at 2pm, followed by burial at Mount Trenchard cemetery in Loughill.

The family has requested donations to the Alzheimer Society in lieu of flowers.