Mr Collins passed away peacefully at Tralee Hospice after a short illness.
MOURNERS will pay their respects at the funeral of former Limerick TD Gerry Collins, whose removal will take place in Co Limerick on Wednesday evening.
The former Fianna Fáil Minister, TD and MEP passed away peacefully at University Hospital Kerry on Sunday, with his family by his side.
Reposing at Harnett’s Funeral Home, The Square, Abbeyfeale (V94 AK44) on Wednesday, November 4 from 5pm until 9pm.
Requiem Mass will be celebrated in The Church of The Assumption Abbeyfeale, on Thursday at 11am, followed by burial in Reilig Íde Naofa, Abbeyfeale.
Mr Collins was first elected to the Dáil as TD in 1967 before he went on to serve as a Munster Member of the European Parliament from 1994 to 2004.
Mr Collins served as a TD for 30 years; he was elected in a by-election triggered by the death of his father James. Mr Collins was up against some strong contenders in the by-election, Willie Madden for Fine Gael and Ned O’Dwyer for Labour but he managed to top the polls with over 14,000 votes. He would continue to go on and have a successful political career.
The Collins family continue to be the longest continuously serving family in Dáil Éireann. Mr Collins’ nephew, Niall Collins is the current Minister for Agriculture.
In an interview with Limerick Live in 2017, Mr Collins looked back on his political life, he discussed how he took on the role of Minister for Foreign Affairs which he “enjoyed immensely”. “It was exceptionally challenging and very demanding but there was a great sense of fulfilment”.
Discussing whether he would do it all again, he replied, “I probably would. I was never afraid of a challenge, what I can’t get to grips with is the effect social media has. It is difficult to measure the effect that has on the political issues or difficulties that have to be dealt with”.
Leading tributes for the late Mr Collins, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said, “I am very sorry to learn of the death of my good friend and former colleague, Gerard Collins. During his 30 years in Dáil Éireann, Gerard served with great distinction and ability as Minister for Foreign Affairs (twice), Justice (twice) and Posts and Telegraphs.”
“He was a politician of great substance and ability, who was in public life for all the right reasons: to serve and improve his country. He was a highly effective minister and was one of a generation of Irish public representatives who served with great selflessness and who left an enormous footprint”.
Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, said he was “very sorry to hear of the death of the former Government Minister Gerry Collins, he was a fearless Minister for Justice during very difficult times.”
Mr Collins is very sadly missed by his loving wife Hilary, sister Mary Carroll, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and friends.
He is predeceased by his parents, James (Jimmy) and Margaret, brothers Maurice (Mossie), Michael and Seán, nephew John.
Mr Collins ‘ funeral mass will be live-streamed on the following link.