President Michael D Higgins led tributes to Bishop Eamonn Casey following his death in a nursing home at the age of 89.
The controversial former Bishop of Galway and Kerry was hailed for
the work he did for the Irish emigrant community in Britain and as
chairman of the aid agency Trócaire.
President Michael D Higgins recognised the controversies of Bishop
Casey's life which "were the source of pain to others", but said he had
expressed his regret.
Bishop Casey passed away peacefully at the Carrigoran House, Retirement and Convalescent Centre in Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co Clare. He had been suffering with Alzheimer's and ill health in recent years.
Bishop Casey passed away peacefully at the Carrigoran House, Retirement and Convalescent Centre in Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co Clare. He had been suffering with Alzheimer's and ill health in recent years.
President Higgins commended Bishop Casey for his humanitarian work.
He said in a statement: "I have heard with sadness of the passing of Eamonn Casey, former Bishop of Galway and Kerry.
He said in a statement: "I have heard with sadness of the passing of Eamonn Casey, former Bishop of Galway and Kerry.
"As chairman of Trócaire, he encouraged the organisation to become a
leading NGO campaigning for justice as well as responding to
humanitarian distress and poverty in the developing world.
"Other aspects of his life were the source of pain to others, for which Bishop Casey has apologised and expressed his deep regret, and he himself had the experience of pain visited on him in later life. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
"Other aspects of his life were the source of pain to others, for which Bishop Casey has apologised and expressed his deep regret, and he himself had the experience of pain visited on him in later life. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
Archbishop Eamon Martin praised Bishop Casey's contribution to the Church.
He said: "It is with great sadness that I learned of the death of Bishop Eamonn Casey.
He said: "It is with great sadness that I learned of the death of Bishop Eamonn Casey.
"I wish to sincerely acknowledge the contribution of Bishop Casey to
the work of the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference over 23 years during
his time as Bishop of Kerry and as Bishop of Galway."
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin described Bishop Casey as a "passionate and energetic" Church leader.
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin described Bishop Casey as a "passionate and energetic" Church leader.
"His work helping Irish immigrants in the UK buy homes was the
foundation on which the housing charity Shelter was built, and he
continued to press the case for housing with the UK government and local
authorities in the 1960s," said Mr Martin.
"I want to extend my sympathies to Bishop Casey's family and friends at this time."
"I want to extend my sympathies to Bishop Casey's family and friends at this time."
The chairman of Trócaire, Bishop William Crean, said Bishop Casey's work with the charity had helped millions across the world.
"Bishop Casey spoke out courageously in defence of persecuted communities overseas and was willing to place himself in danger in order to do so," said Bishop Crean.
"Bishop Casey spoke out courageously in defence of persecuted communities overseas and was willing to place himself in danger in order to do so," said Bishop Crean.
"His campaigning, both at home and overseas, raised awareness of grave injustices and helped to bring about positive change."