Galway Bay fm newsroom - President Michael D Higgins is leading the stream of tributes to former Bishop of Galway Eamonn Casey who's died at the age of 89.
President Higgins says he'll be remembered for his work with homeless, the Irish emigrant community in Britain and with Trócaire.
Bishop Casey passed away yesterday at Carrigoran Nursing Home, Co Clare following a long illness.
Bishop Casey's son Peter, his brother Fr Micheál and sister Ita Furlong have issued a detailed statement on behalf of the family.
The statement highlights in particular the Bishop's work for the marginalised.
Eamonn Casey was ordained a Catholic priest in 1951- he was appointed Bishop of Kerry 18 years later, and Bishop of Galway in 1976.
He was seen as a progressive and highly influential member of the church, until his resignation in 1992, after reports surfaced of his relationship with American divorcée Annie Murphy – with whom he had his son, Peter.
It was a pivotal moment for the church in Ireland, which until then held considerable influence over society and politics.
In a statement to Galway Bay fm news, Diocesan Administrator Canon Michael McLoughlin says the family's loss is also felt by the diocese.
He commended the former Bishop of Galway for his 'tenacious spirit' and 'undaunted passion.'
Meanwhile, Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland has said Bishop Casey's leadership of overseas development agency Trocaire pioneered a significant outreach from Ireland to some of the developing world's most vulnerable people.
The family says funeral details will be announced later.
