Tributes are being paid to the late Dessie Larkin, who died suddenly yesterday.
Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin said, “I would like to extend my sympathies and those of the entire Fianna Fáil Party to the family and friends of Dessie Larkin on his untimely passing. This is an extremely difficult time for Dessie’s family and our thoughts are with them.
“Dessie was a proud Donegal and Letterkenny man. He served on Letterkenny Town Council and on Donegal County Council and he also held the positions of Mayor and Cathaoirleach.
“Dessie was the quintessential community activist and supported all efforts to improve and enhance the town and county. He enjoyed his life of public service and worked very hard for those he represented.
“I want to extend my condolences to Dessie’s wife Mary, their family and all of his friends. I know the community in Letterkenny will be feeling his loss.”
Donegal County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Seamus O’Domhnaill said he was a proud Letterkenny man and a great Donegal man.
Cllr O’Domhnaill said Dessie Larkin was a great member, diligent and articulate, who had served as Mayor of Letterkenny and of Donegal.
Education Minister Joe Mc Hugh recalled that he and Dessie Larkin both entered the Donegal County Council chamber for the first time 20 years ago, on the 11th of June 1999.
He said Dessie’s passion for his native Letterkenny and county was always top of his political agenda, and he was always a big advocate in promoting the arts, heritage and language of Donegal.
The Earagail Arts Festival has issued a statement this afternoon also; they say the team was shocked to hear of the untimely passing of their Chairman and friend Dessie Larkin.
“As a long-serving Board Member and during his time as an elected local representative, Mayor of Letterkenny and Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Dessie was a remarkable advocate of the Earagail Arts Festival. But most importantly, he was a great friend and a supporter of the wider Donegal arts community in general.
A proud Letterkenny man, he took great joy out of seeing the arts thrive, especially in Festival projects close to his heart, such as UNIFIED The Musical and The Fiesta.
We would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest condolences to Dessie’s wife Mary, daughters Danielle and Courtney, sons James and Matthew, extended family and friends.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam
The Board of Management and Staff of Earagail Arts Festival Management Company Ltd.”
The Festival Office will remain closed on Friday, 22 March, as a mark of respect.
