The president of the Labour Party, Michael D Higgins, last night paid tribute to party colleague Joe Sherlock as "a committed and dedicated public representative" as he joined with hundreds of mourners to pay their final respects to the North Cork politician at his removal in Mallow.
"Joe was a very committed politician and hugely loyal to the people of his area, whether it was on Mallow hospital or the sugar factory, he was always highly committed. It is sad that he did not get more time to enjoy his retirement after a life of public service."
Mr Higgins was one of several Labour party TDs to attend last night's removal. Party leader Éamon Gilmore and Dublin TD Joan Burton and Senator Dominic Hannigan all travelled to Mallow to pay their respects.
Among the many local public representatives from Cork to attend were several figures across the political divide.
They included Cork North Central Fianna Fáil TD Noel O'Flynn, Cork East Fine Gael Senator Paul Bradford, and local Fine Gael councillors Tomás Ryan and Noel O'Connor, Fianna Fáil councillor Dan Joe Fitzgerald, and former Fianna Fáil leader on Cork County Council, Jack Roche.
