The sudden and unexpected death of former Fianna Fáil Minister and MEP, Noel Davern at the weekend caused shock and sadness, not just in political circles but among many in his native South Tipperary.

The senior politician and Fianna Fáil stalwart  died suddenly on Sunday. He was 67. Born in Cashel, he received his secondary school education at the CBS there before going on to the Franciscan College in Co. Meath.

He came from a strong Fianna Fáil family background, his father Michael having served as a TD from 1948 to 1965 when he was suceeded in the Dail by his son, Don. Don died suddenly in 1968 and the seat remained vacant until Noel, having entered politics locally as a councillor on Tipperary South Riding County Council, captured it at the general election in 1969. After holding the seat for 12 years he made a successful foray into European politics, winning a seat in the 1979 European Parliament elections for the Munster constituency. He chose to stay there rather than contest the 1981 general election, only to lose his seat in the European Parliament elections three years later.

He was returned to the Dail at the 1987 general election. It was to be a turbulent time for Fianna Fáil in Government. A heave against leader Charlie Haughey by Albert Reynolds and Padraig Flynn failed, but wasn't enough to quell unrest. Appointed Minister for Education in 1991, he served for just one year before being returned to the backbenches when Reynolds suceeded in becoming Taoiseach in early 1992.

When Bernie Ahern took over as leader and named his new front bench in 1995, Noel Davern was among them, as the  opposition spokesman on European Affairs. With Fianna Fáil's return to Government, he became junior minister at the Department of Agriculture and Food, a position he served until 2002. He retired from the Dail in 2007.

Genial and good humoured, the late Noel Davern commanded respect and won many friends across the political spectrum. He had a keen understanding of the political system, having witnessed its machinations first hand over many years and he was considered a shrewd and accomplished politician, who never lost sight of his local constituency.

TRIBUTES

Fianna Fáil party leader Micheal Martin led the tributes following his death, saying that Noel Davern was known in politics for his kind nature and good sense of humour. "Noel had a great sense of community representation and public service, which is not hard to understand given his family's legacy in public service over many years," he said. He called him "a passionate public servant" who never shied away from representing his constituents at a local, national or European level.

Independent TD Mattie McGrath, who succeeded him in the Dail as a member of Fianna Fáil, said Noel had given long and committed service to the people of South Tipperary. "I am sure he will be remembered for that." Extending his condolences to Noel's wife Anne Marie, sons Don and Mark and daughter Davina, he said "Our thoughts and prayers are with them."

South Tipperary TD Seamus Healy also extended sympathy to the Davern family, saying Noel had continued the proud tradition of public service of the Davern family, following in the footsteps of his brother Don and father Mick.

Mourned by his wife Anne Marie, sons Don and Mark, daughter Davina, sister Noreen, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and his wider family, many friends, local constituents and political colleagues, the late Noel Davern was laid to rest in the cemetery adjoining Powerstown church after requiem Mass on Wednesday morning. The huge attendance at both his removal and funeral bore witness to the great esteem in which the gentleman politician was so widely held.

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