Cowen leads funeral tributes to Seamus Brennan

Former Government minister Seamus Brennan was a distinguished patriot who helped shape a more modern and confident Ireland, the Taoiseach said today.

Brian Cowen addressed mourners at the moving funeral Mass in south Dublin of the late TD who died at his home on Wednesday morning after a short illness.

The mourners, who included current and former Government members, were led by Mr Brennan’s wife Ann and children: Shay, Daire, Aoife, Sine, Breffni and Eanna.

In a warm tribute, Mr Cowen said of Mr Brennan: “He helped to shape a more modern, confident and ambitious Ireland. Seamus was a doer and was never afraid to roll up his sleeves.

Mr Cowen told the Church of the Holy Cross congregation in Dundrum that public life was Mr Brennan’s vocation and he dedicated his life to the people he served.

He was a man of quiet influence who exuded calm but bristled with restless energy, he explained.

“The common good was his constant focus. He was a distinguished and patriotic Irishman,” added Mr Cowen.

Gifts presented by relatives at the ceremony represented aspects of Mr Brennan’s life including a framed family photograph, a Galway GAA jersey, a return Luas ticket and a copy of the Irish constitution.

An image of the iconic Luas bridge in Dundrum also appeared on the Mass booklet along with the Brennan family crest.

Music played by an organist and a fiddle player at the ceremony featured 'Galway Bay', 'The West is Awake' and 'Dublin in the Rare Auld Times'.

A poem by one of Mr Brennan’s favourite poets Oliver Goldsmith, 'The Village Schoolmaster', appeared on the Mass booklet and was recited during the ceremony.

Prayers for the Faithful offered courage and judgement to the country’s leaders including the Taoiseach.

Originally from Co Galway, Mr Brennan, 60, served in several government departments under Taoisigh Charles Haughey, Albert Reynolds, Bertie Ahern and Mr Cowen.

His untimely death drew affectionate tributes this week from cross-party politicians, business leaders, charities, arts and culture agencies and sporting bodies.

In an emotional tribute, eldest son Shay today told the congregation that his father had told him: “I’m depending on you” in their last words together before his death.