This article is from page 12 of the 2012-01-10 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 12 JPG
PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins returned to the Banner County for the first time since his election to office last week to attend funerals in North Clare and South Galway.
President Higgins, who grew up in Ballycar, Newmarket on Fergus, attended the funeral of Josie O’Donoghue, mother of late poet and former priest John O’Donohue. Dr O’Donohue died four years ago today at age 53 after collapsing in France. His mother Josie, née Dunleavy, died peacefully on New Year’s Eve – also the eve of Dr O’Donohue’s birthday – at her home near Ballyvaughan.
Mrs O’Donohue’s funeral Mass was held in St Patrick’s Church in Fanore. Her remains were buried in a windswept Craggagh cemetery alongside those of Dr O’Donohue and her husband, Paddy.
Mr Higgins was a friend of Dr O’Donohue. The latter’s poem ‘Beannacht’, which he wrote for his mother, was performed at the presidential inauguration last November.
A message on Dr O’Donohue’s website said: “On December 31, 2011, John’s dear mother, Josie O’Donohue, passed away. She was surrounded by her family when she slipped peacefully across that threshold to John’s waiting arms.”
A Clare native, Dr O’Donohue studied for the priesthood in Maynooth, where he was ordained in 1982. He served in a number of parishes before completing a doctorate on the philosophy of GWF Hegel in Germany.
His first book, Anam Cara , was published in 1997.
President Higgins attended St Colman’s Church, Kinvara, on Tuesday night to sympathise with Attorney General Maire Whelan on the death of her mother.
Ms Whelan’s mother Katie died peacefully on New Year’s Day. Mr Higgins is a longtime associate of Ms Whelan’s, and was one of her lecturers at the then UCG where she studied sociology and politics.
The President was accompanied to the service by his aide-de-camp, Commandant Murt Larkin, as he offered his sympathies to the Whelan family.
Ms Whelan’s funeral was celebrated last Wednesday. Members of the Government, led by Taoiseach Enda Kenny, were present to join the Whelan family in mourning. Her husband John died some years ago.
Labour Party leader and Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore was accompanied by Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte, while Health Minister James Reilly and junior minister Ciaran Cannon were also present. President Michael D Higgins was represented at the funeral by his aide de camp, Commandant Michael Walsh.
The chairman of the Bar Council, Paul O’Higgins, led members of the legal profession in offering their sympathy to the Attorney General.