Tánaister Micheál Martin has led tributes to the late Tom Hussey, former Senator, TD, and Minister from Galway.
Tom Hussey, from Patch, Glenamaddy, passed away at University Hospital Galway over the weekend.
He was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 1969 in the then Galway North-East (later Galway East) constituency and continued to represent the Galway East constituency until 1981.
He subsequently served as Senator between 1981 and 1992. He served as a councillor between 1963 and 1999, and as Cathaoirleach of the Council and Chairperson of the Health Board on several occasions.
Tom was appointed Minister of State in the Department of Agriculture between 1977 and 1980 and subsequently in the Department of Health until 1981.
Commenting on his passing, Tánaiste and Uachtarán Fhianna Fáil Micheál Martin said that he was deeply saddened by the news, and expressed his sympathies on behalf of himself and Fianna Fáil.
“Tom was a man of great integrity, a man with a great sense of place and was a truly outstanding public representative, who served the people of his constituency with great care, diligence and attentiveness.”
“He loved people and loved working for them. A warm-hearted and affable man, Tom was in public life for all the right reasons and was tireless in working to improve the lives of those he represented.”
“He was a native of Patch, Glenamaddy, a place which meant so much to him and about which he regularly spoke with great love and affection.”
“Tom worked tirelessly for his constituents and constituency, loved his work and left an indelible mark.”
“As Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Tom sought to work for and improve the lives of farmers and their families across the country. For Tom, this was a labour of love. He was passionate about agriculture and understood it intimately.”
“Today, more than anything else, I remember my friend Tom. He loved his community, his country and his Party. He regularly gave me advice and insights which I greatly valued.”
“I remember his wife of 57 years, Bridie, and his family – all of whom he was so proud.”
Tom Hussey will repose in Divilly’s Funeral Home in Glenamaddy from 5pm to 8pm on Tuesday, 23rd of January.
Requiem Mass at 1pm on Wednesday at St Patrick’s Church, Glenamaddy, with burial afterwards in Boyounagh Cemetery.
House private, please. Family flowers only, please. Donations, if desired, can be made to Croí.
