The funeral has taken place in Bundoran of Sean McEniff, the 81-year old businessman, hotelier and tourism promoter who was also Ireland’s longest-serving councillor.
His funeral took place to St Ninnidh’s Cemetery this afternoon, following Mass in the Star of the Sea Church in Bundoran attended by more than 1,000 people.
Among those present was the Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin.
The parish priest of Magh Ena, Canon Ramon Munster, a friend of the late Sean McEniff, was the chief concelebrant of his funeral Mass, along with about 10 priests and the retired Bishop of Clogher, Liam McDaid.
The Star of the Sea Church was full a half hour before the Mass began.
Outside, representatives of various groups assembled as the late Mr McEniff’s remains arrived from his home in Bundoran.
They included Fianna Fail members wearing tricolour armbands led by their leader Micheal Martin, the Realt na Mara GAA club in Bundoran, Magh Ene College, Donegal County Council members and officials, Water World, Donegal Bay Water Bus, tourism groups, hoteliers, those in showbusiness and many others.
Outside the church, Micheal Martin recalled what is probably the best-known aspect of Sean McEniff’s life , his vision of tourism as an economic booster for the entire region.
Chief mourners at today’s funeral were Cllr McEniff’s widow Eilish; sons John, Terry, Gabriel, Brian G, Conor and Fergal; daughters Siobhan and Elizabeth; as well as 21 grandchildren, sister Mary, and his brothers, Liam, Brian and Pat.
Canon Munster reflected on what he described as ‘the very full life’ that Sean McEniff lived.
Gifts brought to the altar reflected that life; they included a family photo, Donegal and Glasgow Celtic scarves, a symbol of his work for the town of Bundoran and his Rosary and prayer book which, Canon Munster, said were always very close to Sean.
Canon Munster also told how Sean said the Rosary daily and was not afraid to recommend it to others.
He told a story illustrating Sean’s affection for the Rosary:
Canon Munster told the overflow congregation how he once asked Sean what kind of funeral he would like. Sean told him he wanted it to be a family and religious occasion; he didn’t want a long list of political achievements.
A regular church-goer, Canon Munster pointed out hsi corner seat was left empty today, occupied instead by a photo of Sean.
Canon Munster said Sean had also told him not to give a long sermon.
However, the ceremony lasted almost two hours, after which queues waited outside the different doors of the church to sympathise with the family.
Afterwards, the funeral took place to St Ninnidh’s Cemtery, where Sean McEniff was laid to rest.
