The funeral took place in Nenagh, Co Tipperary, yesterday of Mr Seán Whelan, the Irish ambassador to Turkey, who died suddenly in Ankara last Sunday, writes Peter Gleeson in Nenagh.
Addressing mourners after requiem Mass in Saint Mary of the Rosary's Church, Mr Dermot Gallagher, general secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, said the late Mr Whelan was an incisive and intelligent man who had made a huge contribution to the formation of Irish government policy at home and in several countries over the last 35 years.
He had worked unfailingly to create stronger links between Turkey and Ireland since his appointment as ambassador in 2001, and the administration in Ankara valued his diplomatic approach to sensitive issues. The funeral was attended by the Turkish ambassador, Mr Berki Dibek, and his wife, Ms Ceyda Dibek. President McAleese was represented by her aide-de-camp, Capt Mick Treacy, and the Taoiseach by his aide-de-camp, Comdt Michael Murray.