EMER Í Chuív, one of seven children of the late president Eamon de Valera and Sinéad de Valera, and mother of Fianna Fáil deputy leader Éamon Ó Cuív, has died aged 93.
She died in hospital in Dublin yesterday morning.
Emer Í Chuív was married to the Celtic scholar, the late professor Brian Ó Cuív (1916-99) and they had nine children.
In a statement, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said: “I was deeply saddened to learn of the death today of Emer Í Chuív, mother of the Fianna Fáil deputy leader Éamon Ó Cuív.”
He added: “Éamon has often spoken of how his mother greatly encouraged him to enter politics and was a great source of strength to him throughout his political career.
“She was particularly proud when he was appointed as minister of state with special responsibility for the Gaeltacht, Irish language and island development in 1997, and subsequently appointed to cabinet as minister for community, rural and Gaeltacht affairs in 2002.
“Éamon’s loss, and that of his brothers and sisters, is immense today.”
Mr Martin continued: “I wish to extend my deepest sympathies and that of the Fianna Fáil party to Éamon and his family at this difficult time.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam uasal.”
The removal takes place to St Mary’s Church, Haddington Road, in Dublin tomorrow, arriving at 4.30pm.
Requiem Mass will be on Monday at 11am with burial afterwards in Glasnevin Cemetery.
