Daughter of Micheál Martin laid to rest in Cork

Political divisions were put to one side today as the funeral took place in Cork of seven-year-old Léana Martin, the daughter of Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin.

The Martins’ youngest daughter was laid to rest at St Finbarr’s Cemetery in the city today following Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ballintemple.

Local and national politicians from all parties arrived in Ballinlough yesterday evening and again today to pay their respects and offer condolences to Minister Martin and his wife Mary.

Yesterday’s removal was attended by the Taoiseach Brian Cowen along with senior cabinet ministers. Former Taoisigh Bertie Ahern and Albert Reynolds also joined the mourners.

The Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Michael O’Connell was joined by other city councillors and City Manager Tim Lucey.

Members of the sporting world also attended the removal including GAA president Christy Cooney; former Cork GAA managers Larry Tomkins and John Allen; and rugby star Frankie Sheehan.

Local parish priest Canon Jim O’Donovan told the Martin family that they now had “an angel in heaven”.

Prayers were also said for the Martin’s baby son Ruairí, who died in 1999. Canon O’Donovan said Mass at today’s funeral while the Homily was delivered by Fr James McSweeney.

This story courtesy of the Evening Echo