TD gave dignity to inner-city communities, mourners told

Tireless Independent TD Tony Gregory was a true Christian who restored dignity and pride to Dublin’s inner city communities who will never forget him, his funeral mass heard today.

Hundreds of mourners gathered at St Agatha’s Church, on the capital’s northside, where Mr Gregory made his final public appearance in recent months.

Mr Gregory, aged 61, died last Friday after a long battle with cancer.

The congregation included President Mary McAleese, Taoiseach Brian Cowen, former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin, Social & Family Affairs Minister Mary Hanafin and Environment Minister John Gormley.

Political party leaders who attended included Enda Kenny of Fine Gael, Labour’s Eamon Gilmore, Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams and Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caolain.

Dozens of cross-party councillors, TDs and Senators were also present at today’s ceremony which was concelebrated by the Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin, Eamonn Walsh.

Other mourners from outside the political sphere included film director Neil Jordan, musician Liam O Maonlai who was a former student of Mr Gregory, businessman Bill Cullen, writer Nell Cafferty, former Supreme Court judge Hugh O’Flaherty and Ictu general secretary David Begg.

In his homily, Fr Peter McVerry described Mr Gregory as a true Christian who breathed new life into his community by giving local people renewed dignity and pride.

“Tony will be remembered for his lifelong and single-minded dedication, for his passion for the north inner city, for giving his whole life, his time and energy, for his brothers and sisters, here where he grew up and lived until death overtook him.

Fr McVerry, who knew Mr Gregory since the early 1970s, said he never sought public office to gain anything for himself but to give to his community.

He added: “He made open-necked shirts respectable, much to the consternation of the establishment of the that time – but Tony never sought to identify with the establishment and I think the feeling was mutual.

Fr McVerry told the congregation: “Politicians come and go, and although they won’t thank me for saying it, politicians get forgotten, But Tony Gregory will not be forgotten.

“God help whoever fill his seat in the coming by-election – they’re on a hiding to nothing.

“Perhaps the legacy that Tony would have wanted is that, long after his death, he will be remembered, appreciated and loved by the people whom he served so faithfully during life.”

Mr Gregory’s partner Annette Dolan said he was a man of principle and integrity who passionately fought for what he believed in.

“He was a great advocate for his community, a diligent public representative and a champion of the weakest sections of society.

“He continued to strive for social injustice by fighting against such evils as drugs and poverty and campaigning for such basic rights as equality of access to education and housing. May his legacy continue.”

Ms Dolan said Mr Gregory became involved in politics to make a difference to the lives of communities in Dublin’s inner city and she urged other activists, councillors, TDs and Senators to continue this work in his memory.

“Give them the courage and conviction of Tony to continue their work of service to the communities they represent,” she added.

Mr Gregory’s remains were buried in Balgriffin Cemetery in north Co Dublin.