One of Tipperary’s best known citizens will be laid to rest today.
Hundreds of people including many political figures turned out in Thurles last evening to pay their final respects to former Senator Des Hanafin.
Long queues formed early along Slievenamon Road as mourners gathered to say farewell to a man who served the county, first as a councillor and then as a FF senator for almost 3 decades.
The father of former government Minister Mary Hanafin and Senator John Hanafin passed away suddenly during the week at the age of 86.
Fianna Fail members formed a guard of honour as his remains were taken through the streets of Thurles for the last time to the Cathedral of the Assumption.
Among the political figures present were party leader Micheál Martin, TDs Timmy Dooley and Niall Collins as well as former Ministers Mary Coughlan and John O’Donoghue.
Des Hanafin – who is survived by his wife Mona -will be laid to rest in Saint Patrick’s cemetery today -following 12 o’clock funeral mass.
