Tommy Carr’s good name was synonymous with The Labour Party and the trade union movement, but an entire community fell into mourning when news of his sad passing become known last Wednesday morning.

It was so appropriate that when his coffin was carried down the aisle of Bride Street Church it was decorated in the flags of the ITGWU trade union and ‘The Starry Plough’ symbol of The Labour Party.

Aged 86 years, the resident of St. Aidan’s Crescent, Wexford, had a distinguished political career and was Mayor of Wexford on two occasions, in 2001-’02, and again in 2005-’06.

He was afforded a Civic Funeral and Bride Street Church was packed for his Funeral Mass on Saturday morning.

Bishop Denis Brennan was also present.

Mayor George Lawlor and the sitting members of Wexford Municipal District Council lead the tributes.

Also amongst the congregation was a number of past Mayors of Wexford – Padge Reck, Ted Howlin, Philomena Roche, Joe Ryan, John Roche, Dominic Kiernan, Helen Corish and Gus Byrne.

Minister for Public Expenditure, Brendan Howlin, T.D., delivered the eulogy.

Others who paid their respects included the Tánaiste and Leader of the Labour Party, Ms Joan Burton, TD, Jack O’Connor, National President of SIPTU, and Joe O’Flynn, General Secretary of SIPTU.

Tommy Carr’s cortege made its way through Wexford town on the way to St. Ibar’s Cemetery, Crosstown, where interment took place.

Full story in the WEXFORD ECHO Group of Newspapers.