SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor, has expressed his sincere condolences on behalf of his union at the death yesterday (Thursday, 20th March), of resident historian for the Glasnevin Trust, Shane MacThomáis. Jack O’Connor, said: “Shane worked closely with SIPTU on a number of events in recent years, in particular during the centenary of the 1913 Lockout last year. His enthusiasm for the working class history of Dublin shone through in all he did.“His entertaining and informative manner brought the history of Glasnevin Cemetery to new audiences. Shane’s commitment to ensuring all those interred there were fittingly remembered saw him championing causes which drew support from all strands of Irish society.“However, as befitted a man with a strong social conscience, he paid particular attention in ensuring the last resting places of those too often forgotten in Irish history were properly marked. He made a point of drawing the attention of visitors to the cemetery to the graves of the child victims of the Magdalene Laundry system and civilian casualties of the 1916 Rising.”Jack O’Connor added: “Through his work Shane helped define the significance of Glasnevin Cemetery and of those buried there over the centuries for future generations and in doing that he has left his mark on modern Ireland.“On behalf of our union I wish to offer heartfelt condolences to Shane’s mother, his daughter, his wider family and the staff of Glasnevin Trust, as well as to his many friends in his beloved city and beyond.”
SIPTU General President expresses condolences on death of Shane MacThomáis
