Ireland is in mourning after the death of a former senator, Tom Hussey, at the age of 87. 

The beloved public servant passed away peacefully at a hospital in his native Galway, with family at his side.

He served Ireland in a number of public roles, beginning as a representative from Galway in the lower house of Parliament from 1969 to 1981.

Ireland mourns senator

Hussey was also a senator from 1981 to 1992 and served as a Minister of State in the departments of Health, Social Welfare, and Agriculture.

Born in Patch, Glenamaddy in County Galway, he was also a farmer, auctioneer and insurance representative.

Throughout his career, he belonged to Fianna Fáil, a Christian conservative political party.

After retiring from politics, he served as president of Fianna Fáil in the Roscommon Galway constituency.

Deputy head of state weighs in

The deputy head of Ireland's government and leader of Fianna Fáil, Michael Martin, called Hussey a good friend and a dedicated public servant.

“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 said. “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,” he continued. “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,” he explained.

“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,” he said. “I remember his wife of 57 years, Bridie, and his family – all of whom he was so proud.”

Funeral plans

There will be a funeral mass at St. Patrick's Church, Glenamaddy, with burial afterwards to Boyounagh Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife, Bridie, sons James, Thomas, Paul, Ciarán and daughters Sinéad and Triona, as well as sisters, nieces and nephews, and grandchildren.