Statement by President Higgins on the death of Fr. Jack Finucane
Date: Thu 8th Jun, 2017 | 13:32
It is with great sadness that I have learned of the death of Jack Finucane, priest, humanitarian and co-founder of one of Ireland’s largest NGOs, Concern.
Jack, and his late brother Fr. Aengus Finucane were inspirational figures among the large group of people in Ireland who value and embody the importance of the humanitarian spirit. Theirs was a distinctive voice and their life’s work leaves a real, positive, and enduring legacy for millions of people across the globe, as well as having contributed to Ireland’s reputation abroad in the best possible sense.
I had the great privilege of meeting Jack Finucane in Somalia during the Famine, and on many occasions since.
His commitment to the ethical basis for, as well as the practical application of humanitarian principles was exemplary. Jack Finucane’s lifelong commitment to protecting the dignity of some of the world’s poorest and most marginalised people will stand not only as a lasting tribute to all that is good about mankind, but is exemplary in its invitation not to avert our gaze from our current challenges of global hunger and poverty.
Sabina and I wish to express our deepest condolences to his family, colleagues and wide circle of friends, as well as to all those who have worked with him and experienced his work and his warm personality.