Tánaiste and Uachtarán Fhianna Fáil, Micheál Martin TD has said he is deeply saddened to learn of the death of former senator, and Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, Trás Honan.
“I am very sorry to learn of the death of my friend, fellow party member and former senator, Trás Honan," Mr Martin said.
“Trás was a native of Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. She was first elected to Seanad Éireann in 1977 and served as senator until 1992. During that time, she served as Cathaoirleach of the Seanad on two occasions. Trás was the first woman to serve as Cathaoirleach. Prior to entering national politics, Trás was Cathaoirleach of Ennis Urban District Council, a town where she and her family had moved to in 1950.
“Trás's family was steeped in republican heritage. Her late sister Carrie served as TD and her father, Matt Barlow, fought in the War of Independence.
“Trás was a consummate and natural politician. She was in politics for all the right and noble reasons: to strive to improve the lives of people and their communities. She was an able and determined public representative, driven and committed. Trás was a trailblazer for her time, becoming the first woman elected Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, a position she held twice. No other woman has held the position since.
“I greatly valued her friendship and advice. Even up to very recently, she was in contact, offering her support, advice and invaluable insights.
“On my own behalf, and on behalf of the Fianna Fáil organisation, I offer my deepest sympathy to Trás’s family, her son TV, her daughter Ann, brother Aidan and the wider Honan family.
“RIP.”
ENDS