Taoiseach Micheál Martin has paid tribute to former Waterford Fianna Fáil councillor Sean Dower following his passing on Tuesday, describing him as a friend and a man who embodied the very best of public service.

Mr Dower, who served as a Fianna Fáil councillor from 1999 to 2004, was a prominent figure in Waterford politics and community life for decades.

He also served as chairman of Waterford Fianna Fáil CDC and was widely known for his involvement with Mount Sion GAA Club, Spraoi, the Waterford Light Opera Festival and the Mercy schools.

Earlier this year, he received a Fianna Fáil Lifetime Service Award from the Taoiseach in recognition of his longstanding contribution to the party.

In a statement, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of my friend, former councillor and chair of Waterford Fianna Fáil CDC, Seán Dower.

“Seán Dower was a friend for many years. A former councillor, Seán embodied the best of public service. A wise and caring man, Seán loved his community and both as a councillor and subsequently, worked hard to improve the lives of his fellow citizens.

“Seán contributed greatly to Fianna Fáil. He chaired our constituency executive, our CDC, for many years. He also worked tirelessly with many other local organisations, Boards of Management, the GAA, and other local organisations.

“I met Seán in early May when I had the pleasure of presenting him with a lifetime service award on behalf of Fianna Fáil.

“Seán believed in getting things done and he did so in an effective, understated and caring way. He was a wise man, great company and a good friend to all of us in Fianna Fáil. We will miss him greatly.

“On my own behalf, and on behalf of the Fianna Fáil organisation, I offer my deepest sympathy to Seán’s wife Margaret, his children Jaimie, Adrian and Corinna, his grandchildren along with the wider Dower family.”

Waterford TD Mary Butler also paid tribute to Mr. Dower.

““I am deeply saddened by the passing of my good friend, Sean Dower. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his wife Margaret, his family, and friends.

“Sean was a wonderful friend to me, a supporter, a canvasser, and mentor. He had a keen political mind and was always very level headed and balanced even in the midst of intense campaigns and elections.

“As a former Fianna Fáil councillor himself, he held a deep understanding of political life, the daily challenges, the highs, and the lows.

“Sean contributed greatly to Fianna Fáil, as Chairman of Waterford CDC and a very active party member. He was also a strong community man and contributed significantly to all aspects of local life, whether through his beloved GAA Club Mount Sion, or the many other organisations he was very involved in.

“He was a man of the highest calibre and truly one of nature’s gentlemen. He will be dearly missed by all in Fianna Fáil and Waterford.”

Sean will be reposing at Thompson’s Funeral Home, Barrack St, Waterford on Thursday (9th July) from 7:00pm to 8:30pm with vigil prayers and Rosary at 8:00pm.

Sean’s funeral cortege will walk from Thompson’s Funeral Home, Barrack Street, on Friday (10th July) to the Holy Family Church, Luke Wadding Street for Requiem Mass on arrival at 11:00am, followed by burial in Ballybricken Cemetery.

House Private at all times.