It was with profound sadness that we learned this morning of the death of our great colleague and true friend, Bernie Ruane. To her husband John, sons Seán and Cathal, sisters Kathleen, Mary and Patricia, brothers Patrick, Liam and Gerry and her extended family we offer our deepest sympathy.
Bernie served the TUI with unrivalled dedication and distinction over many years and in many representative roles, including that of TUI President - an office that she graced from 2010 to 2012. From 2016 to her retirement earlier this year, she again deployed her knowledge, experience and compassion in the service of members and the union cause, this time as Assistant General Secretary.
Bernie will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by all of us and not least by the many members of the TUI whom she represented with skill, intelligence and wisdom. Her mischievous and self-deprecating sense of humour, inextinguishable optimism, tactical nous and boundless energy and enthusiasm marked her out as one of a kind. Her pride in her family was always evident and her devotion to all things Clare, especially its hurling, absolute.
Braithimid uainn í.
Suaimhneas síoraí dá hanam uasal.