Summit Postponed As Eithne Kenny Buried

The British-Irish Council Summit, which was due to take place in Dublin on Monday has been postponed as a mark of respect following the death of Eithne Kenny, mother of Taoiseach Enda Kenny, (pictured).

Instead, her funeral was taking place in Co Mayo on Monday afternoon.

The Requiem Mass was celebrated at the Church of The Holy Rosary in Castlebar before her burial at Islandeady Cemetery.

Mrs Kenny leaves behind Enda Kenny his brothers John, Henry, Kieran and sister Marie.

Offering his condolences, Enda's coalition leader Eamon Gilmore said that on behalf of the Labour Party he would like to express his condolences.

"My thoughts are with the Taoiseach Enda Kenny and his family on this sad day. I have spoken to the Taoiseach directly and have extended my sympathies to him. Ar dheis Dé go rabh a hanam."

A number of tributes have been made to Mrs Kenny who was actively involved in Mayo political life for more than 60 years.

The new leader of the Northern Ireland's SDLP, Allaister McDonnell said: "I express my sympathies on behalf of the SDLP and those the party represents to Mr Kenny and his family.

"Losing a parent is a devastating experience. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Taoiseach and his family at this difficult time," he said.

Stormont First Minister, Peter Robinson and tne Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, have already offered their condolences to the Taoiseach Enda Kenny, on the death of his mother.

In a joint statement they said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Enda, his siblings John, Henry, Ciaran and Marie and the entire Kenny family on this sad loss.

"Mothers are the bedrock of a family and their passing is never easy and we extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time."

(DW)