Former Taoiseach hailed for his vision, commitment to peace, and dedication to Ireland and the EU

John Bruton, the former Taoiseach of Ireland, was remembered as a “visionary” and “great statesman” during his removal mass in his hometown of Dunboyne, County Meath, on Friday. The service was held at Saints Peter and Paul’s Church ahead of his state funeral on Saturday.

Mr. Bruton’s remains were brought to the church by his younger brother, former minister Richard Bruton, for the ceremony, which began at 7pm. During the mass, parish priest Pat O’Connor reflected on Mr. Bruton’s significant contributions to Ireland, particularly his leadership within the European Union. O’Connor described him as a “great ambassador for the EU and for Ireland” and praised his tireless dedication in every position he held, from TD to Taoiseach.

“John Bruton was a man who gave his all, whether as a TD, minister, or Taoiseach,” O’Connor said. “He was a visionary whose far-sighted ideas helped shape the future of the EU, and a great statesman who always stayed connected to his roots in Dunboyne.”

EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness, Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys, and Justice Minister Helen McEntee were among the dignitaries attending the mass, with several other senior politicians present for the local service. The funeral on Saturday is expected to draw further politicians and public figures. Mr. Bruton will be buried at Rooske Cemetery in Dunboyne following the service.

John Bruton, who served as Taoiseach from 1994 to 1997 and led Fine Gael from 1990 to 2001, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 76 after a prolonged illness. He died surrounded by his family in hospital.

Born and raised in Dunboyne, Mr. Bruton studied at University College Dublin before qualifying as a barrister. During his tenure as Taoiseach, one of his first major initiatives was advocating for a referendum to amend the Irish constitution to allow divorce. He also played a key role in the Northern Ireland peace process, working alongside UK Prime Minister John Major on the Anglo-Irish Framework Document.

His legacy is marked by his intellect, his passion for reform, and his deep connection to his family and faith. His brother Richard Bruton remembered him as a “pioneer of reform” and someone who brought forward “a lot of ideas.”

“John always believed that every person counts. He lived by that in his interactions with others,” Richard Bruton said, speaking in the Irish Parliament during a tribute.

John Bruton is survived by his wife Finola, children Matthew, Juliana, Emily, and Mary-Elizabeth, and his grandchildren. Parish priest Pat O’Connor acknowledged the central role that family played in Mr. Bruton’s life, particularly his wife, Finola, who was described as his “guardian angel” during his illness.

“John was very proud of his children, and he cherished the fun and laughter his grandchildren brought him,” O’Connor added. “And of course, John had a great, infectious laugh. We can still hear it now.”