Funeral of former minister Mary O'Rourke to take place

The funeral mass for former Fianna Fáil minister Mary O'Rourke will take place in Athlone today.

Ms O'Rourke died last Thursday, aged 87.

Her funeral mass will take place in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Coosan at midday. She will be laid to rest afterwards in Coosan cemetery.

President Michael D Higgins will attend the funeral this afternoon. Taoiseach Simon Harris paid his respects yesterday evening at the funeral home in Athlone.

Ms O'Rourke is survived by her two sons, Feargal and Aengus.

Ms O'Rourke was first elected to the Dáil in November 1982. The Longford-Westmeath TD went on to serve as minister for education, health and public enterprise over the course of a political career spanning four decades.

She was deputy leader of Fianna Fáil from 1994 to 2002.

Last week, Mr Martin paid tribute saying Ms O'Rourke was a remarkable woman who left a lasting impact on Irish society.

In a statement, President Higgins said she made a distinguished contribution to Irish political life and was dedicated to serving the public.

Mr Harris said Ms O'Rourke was a "force to be reckoned" and took on "the boy's club", championing her "magnetic personality" and "wicked sense of humour".

Read more: Mary O'Rourke - 'mammy of the Dáil' spent 29 years as a TD