Taoiseach 'devastated' by McEntee death

An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, has issued a statement on the passing of Minister of State Shane McEntee TD. He said: "I am devastated at the sudden passing of Minister of State Shane McEntee TD. "Since his election to the Dail, Shane has been a dedicated servant of the people of Meath. As Minister of State, he brought great energy, diligence and enthusiasm to his role. "On a personal level Shane McEntee was a loyal friend and colleague and my thoughts and prayers go out to Kathleen and their family at this very sad time." Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin TD said: "On a personal level and on behalf of the entire Fianna Fáil organisation, I would like to express shock and sadness at the untimely death of Minister of State Shane McEntee TD. "He was a true gentleman who commanded the genuine affection and respect of people on all sides of the House. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Shane's family and with his colleagues in the Fine Gael party at this terrible time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam." IFA President John Bryan said the farming community is shocked beyond belief at the tragic death of Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Shane McEntee. Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has expressed shock and sadness at the passing of Minister of State Shane McEntee. Deputy Adams said: "It was with shock that I learned the sad news today of the passing of Shane McEntee. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this sad time." John Bryan said: "Shane McEntee was a decent, hardworking public representative and farmers were very proud of his appointment as Minister of State with responsibility for forestry last year. He worked tirelessly on behalf of his constituents and the farming community to find solutions". "Shane and his father Tony before him were hugely committed to IFA's work in improving the conditions of farm families, and this was appreciated the length and breadth of the country". On behalf of the IFA membership, John Bryan expressed his deepest sympathy to Shane McEntee's wife Kathleen, his children Vincent, Helen and Sally, his mother Madge, and brothers and sister. ICMSA President says McEntee death a cause of "profound sadness" The President of the ICMSA, John Comer, has said that the sudden death of Minister of State, Shane McEntee, is a cause of profound sadness and will touch the hearts of families all over the country. Mr Comer said that Mr Entee was both popular and respected and his knowledge of farming was complete and hugely impressive. The thoughts and sympathies of all would be with his family at this most difficult of times and Mr Comer offered sincere condolences on his own behalf and on behalf of his members. Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association president Gabriel Gilmartin has expressed shock at the untimely death of Minister of State Shane McEntee TD. Mr Gilmartin said: "Shane McEntee had an acute understanding of the farming sector and worked hard during his tenure as Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time."