Death of former Mayo senator who served community with distinction

TRIBUTE is being paid to former Mayo senator and councillor Ernie Caffrey, Ballina, who has died.

Tánaiste Simon Harris said his Fine Gael party colleague served his community in Ballina, Co. Mayo and the party with distinction for many years.

Elected to Seanad Éireann on the Industrial and Commercial Panel in 1997, Mr. Caffrey served in the upper house until 2002. He also served on Mayo County Council and Ballina Urban District Council.

Said Mr. Harris: “His loyalty to the party and his community was evident in his running as a Fine Gael candidate in four successive general elections between 1989 and 2002.

“He was a tireless advocate for those he represented and leaves behind a proud legacy.”

He added: “One particularly proud moment for Ernie and his family came just a few years ago when he and his daughter met with then US President Joe Biden during his visit to the North Mayo Heritage Centre on his historic visit to Ireland in April 2023. Ernie presented Biden with a brick from the fireplace of the president’s ancestral Blewitt family homestead in Ballina.

“My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Ernie’s family, friends and all those who knew him.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

Predeceased by his wife Phyllis, parents William and Elizabeth, and sister-in-law Jocie McEvoy, Ernie was beloved father of Liam, Declan, Elizabeth and Miriam. He is also sadly missed by Liam’s partner Una, daughter-in-law Lelia, sons-in-law Sean Ryan and Sean Lavelle, grandchildren Femhe, Cúán, Caoimhe, Iarlaith, Colm, Setanta, Macdara, Éadaoin, Diarmuid and Saoirse, sister-in-law Peggy Finegan, niece Joanna, and nephew Joe, extended family and large circle of friends, to whom sympathy is extended on their loss.

Reposing is at McGowan's Funeral Home, Ballina, on Monday evening from 5 until 7 p.m.

Funeral will arrive to St. Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina, on Tuesday morning for 11.30 a.m. Requiem Mass, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.