Constituents mourn Lenihan

An estimated nine thousand people paid their respects to former minister for finance Brian Lenihan at his constituency office…

An estimated nine thousand people paid their respects to former minister for finance Brian Lenihan at his constituency office in Castleknock yesterday.

Sympathisers queued throughout the afternoon to pay their respects at Mr Lenihan's office at Laurel Lodge, Castleknock, where a book of condolence was open for signature.

Mr Lenihan died on Friday, aged 52, from pancreatic cancer.

The public will have a second opportunity to offer their respects following a decision by Taoiseach Enda Kenny to open a book of condolence at Government Buildings, Merrion Street, tomorrow. The book will be available for for signature from 9.00 am until 6.00pm.

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Mr Lenihan's diagnosis was first reported over Christmas 2009, and in January 2010, he released a statement saying cancerous tissue had been identified and that he intended to begin treatment for the condition.

Despite his illness, Mr Lenihan continued to serve as minister for finance under former taoiseach Brian Cowen and contested the Fianna Fáil leadership before losing out to Micheál Martin. He then became Fianna Fáil deputy leader.

Mr Lenihan is survived by his wife, Patricia, his children, Tom and Clare, brothers Conor, Niall and Paul, sister Anita and mother Ann.

The removal of Mr Lenihan’s remains takes place tomorrow at St Mochta’s Church, Porterstown, arriving at 6pm. His funeral will be private and will take place on Tuesday, after 11am Mass to St David’s Church Graveyard, Kilsallaghan.

Éanna Ó Caollaí

Éanna Ó Caollaí

Iriseoir agus Eagarthóir Gaeilge An Irish Times. Éanna Ó Caollaí is The Irish Times' Irish Language Editor, editor of The Irish Times Student Hub, and Education Supplements editor.