SF LEADER GERRY ADAMS PAYS TRIBUTE TO SEAN MACMANUS
SINN FEIN LEADER GERRY ADAMS ATTENDS RETIREMENT FUNCTION FOR SEAN MACMANUS
“MAKE no mistake, we would not be where we are today without the dedication and commitment of Sean MacManus and all of those like him in our great struggle.”
The words of Sinn Fein Leader Gerry Adams TD who spoke so highly of his party colleague Sean MacManus at the former councillor’s retirement function on Saturday night.
More than 200 guest gathered at the Great Southern Hotel for the celebratory dinner. David McGowan of Quirky Glamping fame was MC for the evening providing much entertainment with his inimitable style.
During his speech deputy Adams referred to the crucial role Sean played in the Peace Process. “When the peace process emerged Sean took a leadership role. He was a key member of our negotiating team and was part of the delegations that met the British Prime Minister Tony Blair in Downing Street. He was also a regular participant in the Good Friday negotiations,” he said.
“All Sligo Republicans, but especially Sean, can be proud of your contribution to that seismic change in Northern and in Irish politics,” he continued, “Sean is a carpenter by trade. So he knows a bit about building things. He played a major role in building Sinn Féin.”
Deputy Adams made reference to their close friendship: “I have known Sean MacManus, Helen and the family for over 40 years - since the 1970’ s. I am enormously thankful for Sean’s many years of comrade- ship and for the friendship and solidarity that the family have always shown to me.
“I know he won’t like me saying it but Sean is one of the giants of our struggle.”
Among the guests were newly elected Mayor Hubert Keaney and other local politicians from different parties. A humbled Sean MacManus took to the stage and thanked everyone for attending.
He said: “I almost said that words fail me— which would be a first for an elected politician, even a former one--- but genuinely I’m truly honoured by the amount of people who have come to join in celebrating my retirement from elected politics this evening.
“I hope it’s not a case of that well known phrase from Oscar Wilde: “Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go.”
Sean paid special tribute to his family: “In particular, I thank my wife Helen who has been both a friend and confidante throughout our lives together, and my entire family for their support through this journey.
“Helen and I met in London when we were both 18, we were married there a year later and we were soon blessed with 2 fine sons. Helen was the love of my life then as she still is today.
“I cannot talk about our personal life without referring to the tragic and untimely death of our eldest son Joseph. Joe was brave and outgoing. His death has cut into our family in such a painful and heart- breaking way. As a family our lives changed, an emptiness entered our souls which can never be filled.
But we are also blessed by having Chris Apart from being our son, Chris has long been my friend and comrade, to whom I have turned time after time for advice and help.”
Councillor Margaret Gormley also addressed the guests. Sean, in turn thanked her: “Thank you to Councillor Margaret Gormley, my very long term friend and colleague from Sligo County Council, who spoke so eloquently of me. Little wonder that Margaret secures such a gigantic vote in each election.”
“Thanks also to my long- time political colleague and friend to our family Gerry Adams for his words and for taking time out from his busy schedule to be here tonight. Gerry has long been an inspirational leader North and South,” he said.