Former TD Noel Treacy remembered as ‘passionate and energetic’

Former Fianna Fáil TD Noel Treacy was remembered at his funeral as a “once off, larger than life” figure, who fit many achievements into his 70 years of life.

Joan Treacy Hogan, told mourners at St Michael’s Church, Gurteen, Ballinasloe, Co Galway that her father was a real people person, who had a keen memory for people’s names, faces and family connections. “His love of helping people is what made him interested in politics... he was passionate and energetic.”

Mr Treacy died this week at the age of 70 after having cancer for 12 years.

In a euolgy, Ms Treacy Hogan said he faced his illness with great bravery, according to his daughter. “He never complained and he never gave up.”

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She spoke of how he would call his wife “my darling Mary” when in hospital and said if he had to do it all again, he would marry her 100 times over.

He was a Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East since a 1982 by-election until his retirement in 2011. He was the longest-serving minister of state, serving in 11 governmental departments in total.

She said her father was born into a deep rooted republican family. He was very proud of his Gurteen roots, and his family said they were touched by the support they received from the community in the past few days. She described her father as a great orator,

Mr Treacy was very passionate about the Irish language, Irish culture and GAA. He was heavily involved in his local and county club, according to his daughter.

The former TD was also a gaeilgeoir, and was the first minister from Ireland to speak Irish at a meeting of the European Council.

Ms Treacy Hogan said her father told her he was most proud of his involvement with the peace talks in Northern Ireland.

In attendance at the funeral were Aide-de-camp for President Michael D. Higgins Colonel Brian Walsh,Taoiseach Micheál Martin, and former taoiseach Brian Cowen.

The Taoiseach told mourners that Mr Treacy was a proud son of Galway and the west, and a proud Irishman whose life was defined by service. “His record of achievement was deep and of real substance.”

He often had no interest in taking credit for his achievements, and he was “active in everything”, according to Mr Martin.

Within a year of being elected TD, he was made a party spokesperson. He gave 29 years of service in the Dáil, making many contributions along the way, added Mr Martin.

“He was always on top of his responsibilities, he treated everyone with respect, no matter what their position was.”

Mr Martin said Mr Treacy was one of the best people with whom to share a department and he was a very warm, hospitable and collegial person.