President Higgins pays tribute following death of former Seanad Cathaoirleach Tras Honan aged 93

President Michael D Higgins has paid tribute to former Cathaoirleach of the Seanad Tras Honan following her death.

Ms Honan, who was the only woman to serve in that position since the foundation of the State, died at the age of 93 in Co Waterford.

She served as senator between 1977 and 1992 and was twice elected to the chair.

In 1981, her sister Carrie Acheson was elected to Dáil Éireann, making them the first sisters to serve as Oireachtas members at the same time. Ms Acheson died in January of this year.

In a statement this evening, President Higgins said that Ms Honan was a “good and valued friend of so many who have served in the Oireachtas over many years”.

“As President of Ireland, I am sure that I will be only one among many who will have heard with sorrow of the passing of Tras Honan, former Cathaoirleach of the Seanad.

“Tras Honan was a proud Tipperary woman who broke many barriers in a long and distinguished career, notably as the first and only woman to be elected as Cathaoirleach of the Seanad.

“Having moved to Ennis, she quickly made her mark in public service and became the first woman elected to Ennis District Council as it was then – a record of public service that she shared with her late husband Derry and his father, T.V. Honan, as well as her sister Carrie Acheson.”

The president added: “Her warm heart and direct style won her much deserved respect across parties in the Seanad and those of us who knew her well cherish those memories now.

“Sabina joins me in offering our deep condolences to Tras’s son T.V. and to all of her family, colleagues and many friends. She will be greatly missed.

“Suaimhneas síoraí da hanam.”

The Tipperary native relocated to Waterford after retiring from national politics.

She was then appointed as chairperson of Bus Éireann, and also chaired the board of management at Mercy Primary School, Waterford.

Last year, the former Cathaoirleach returned to Leinster House for Seanad Éireann Centenary celebrations.

The event unveiled a collage of images depicting women Senators over the past one-hundred years, which now hangs in the Houses of The Oireachtas.

The Fianna Fáil party member was closely associated with Clare politics. She was the first woman elected to the then-Ennis Urban District Council and was later elected chairperson.

She is survived by her son T.V. Honan, daughter Ann Honan-Croke, her brother Aidan Barlow, her grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

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