Tributes were paid yesterday to the president of the Irish League of Credit Unions, Mr Frank Lynch, as thousands of mourners attended his funeral Mass in his native Blarney, Co Cork.
Mr Lynch (45), a married father of three, was killed when his car was in collision with a lorry outside Granard, Co Longford, on Tuesday while on his way to attend the funeral of one of his predecessors, Mr Frank O'Kane.
Yesterday, mourners at Mr Lynch's funeral Mass heard his cousin, Father Dermot Lynch, praise his contribution as ILCU president and his commitment to both the league and to his family.
The vice-president of the ILCU, Mr Jim McMahon, said he was an excellent chairman who knew how to achieve consensus. He recalled his fine sense of humour and the pride he took in his native Cork.
The chief mourners were Mr Lynch's widow, Mary, and children, John, Stephanie and Martina.
Among the many who attended the funeral were Mr Phil Roddy, chairman of the supervisory committee of the ILCU, Mr Tony Smyth, the league's general secretary, the registrar of Friendly Societies, Mr Martin Sisk, and several former ILCU presidents.
Also present were the first vice-president of the World Council of Credit Unions, Mr Gerry Foley and the second vice-president, Mr Bobby McVeigh. Ms Julie O'Malley represented the Minister of State for Education, Mr Noel Treacy. Members of Blarney Credit Union formed a guard of honour, lining the route from the Church of the Immaculate Conception in the village. The cortege to Garrycloyne cemetery included member of the ILCU's board of supervisors.
Also present were representatives from 40 credit unions in Cork as well as the chairman of Cork County Council, Mr Tomas Ryan. The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, had been represented by his aide-de-comp, Capt Michael Kiernan, at Mr Lynch's removal. He had earlier paid tribute to Mr Lynch whom he had met as part of an ILCU delegation only last week.
"Frank's enthusiasm and dedication to the development of the credit union movement is acknowledged by all who knew him. My thoughts are with his wife and three children together with his colleagues and friends around the country," he said.