Bruton family acknowledges support following death of former Taoisach
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Residents of Sadleir Hall, Lutterell Hall and Garnett Hall on the Summerhill Road, Dunboyne, formed a guard of honour as the hearse carrying former Taoiseach John Bruton passes on it way to Ss Peter and Paul Church in Dunboyne for a removal ceremony in advance of the State funeral on Saturday 10th February last, photographed for the Irish Times by Dunboyne resident photographer, Alan Betson. Finola Bruton thanked “all the Dunboyne residents and neighbours who organised so generously and beautifully, the candlelit processions from John’s home to Dunboyne on the night of John’s removal”. Alan BetsonImage 2 of 2
Personal items on the altar at the funeral of former Taoiseach John Bruton in Ss Peter and Paul’s church, Dunboyne, at his funeral last year, were his book of essays ‘Faith in Politics’ and a family photograph. Photo: Julien Behal / Government Information ServiceOn the first anniversary of the death of former Meath TD and Taoiseach, John Bruton, his family, Finola, Matthew, Juliana, Emily, Mary Elizabeth and their families, have published an acknowledgement thanking all who offered support following his passing.
The acknowledgement notice appeared in the Irish Times to mark the Dunboyne man's passing on 6th February 2024. He was aged 77 and had been ill for over a year.
The notice said that the family wished "to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who walked the journey of illness, death and grief with us, before, during and after John's peaceful departure from this life".
"First, we thank, Archbishop Dermot Farrell, Bishop Deenihan, Fr Pat O'Connor, Fr Bruce Bradley SJ and the many other religious who travelled to be with us for their unstinting support and compassion during this time. To our faith community here in Dunboyne who were and remain a great source of sustenance and comfort. To all the Dunboyne residents and neighbours who organised so generously and beautifully, the candlelit processions from John's home to Dunboyne on the night of John's removal.”
The family expressed gratitude to all the organs of state, from the former Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, his protocol officers, the Irish Army and the Brass Band for their considerable and considerate professionalism during the course of John's funeral.
"Very special thanks to the Mater Private Hospital, from the porters, carers, nurses, doctors and specialists, with loving mention of their chaplin, Fr Peter Murphy, for the care and comfort that John received during his long illness and many visits there. To all the local medical help, nurses, doctors, carers, palliative care for their assiduousness and kindness.
"To all of John's extended family, cousins and in-laws, who meant so much to him, for their love and support, which continues to this day. To his friends and colleagues who kept him going and raised his spirits with their letters, phone calls and visits. To all the media for their professional and respectful coverage of John's life and times during those difficult days. To Finbar Wright and Lisa Lambe for their magnificent singing at John's Funeral Mass and to all who provide the music at John's removal and Mass. To Cunningham Funeral Directors for their steady, calm and sensitive presence throughout. To all who sent Mass cards and letters throughout the last year, and who shared their memories of John with us, please know that we are truly grateful. John's faith sustained him throughout and he went forward to meet his God with peace and gratitude in his heart. "I had a good life - I have no complaints" was his quiet refrain. We thank God for the gift of John's life and for the joy and fun he brought to all who knew and loved him."