Charles Haughey, confined to his Kinsealy mansion by illness, sent a message to the people of Dingle yesterday, as a commemorative stone in his honour was unveiled.
He said he sincerely appreciated the decision of Dingle fishermen to erect it in recognition of his efforts to help promote their valuable and important industry.
"I also appreciate the support and goodwill of the people of Dingle, not just on this occasion but also for the gracious manner in which they have received and welcomed our family into their midst over such a long period of years," he added.
The message was read by the former taoiseach's son, Fianna Fáil TD Seán Haughey, who attended the event with his sister Éimear, brothers Ciarán and Conor, uncle Fr Eoin Haughey, cousins and friends.
Maureen Haughey remained in Kinsealy with her husband.
Former Fianna Fáil senator Tom Fitzgerald, from Dingle, a friend for more than four decades, and Nichola Kyle, who sculpted the oval-shaped bronze image of Mr Haughey, visited Kinsealy recently to show him a replica of the work. A photograph of the visit shows a visibly frail Mr Haughey. "It was clear he would have loved to have been here for the event," said Mr Fitzgerald yesterday. "There was a tear in his eye."
Éimear Mulhern told The Irish Times that her father's health was "not great", adding, however, that he was "up and about".
The Haugheys were visibly emotional as several tributes were paid to him for his work in providing a new marina in Dingle and his friendship over decades with locals.
Dingle bay was shrouded in rain and mist as some 500 people attended the unveiling.
Chief executive of the Irish Fish Producers' Organisation Lorcan Ó Cinnéide said Mr Haughey's frequent presence in Dingle had provided a unique perspective on him . . . "the Charlie who always made the time in a hectic life to visit, to phone, to sympathise and give a quiet word of encouragement . . ."
He added: "And for these reasons, among others, this is a man for whom our affection has not been dimmed by his very public tribulations in recent years. This is our day for a man whose vision, intelligence, resilience, determination and courage in a long and distinguished public life is of immense and enduring benefit to this nation, benefits it would be superfluous to enumerate here."
Mr Ó Cinnéide said that as "a free and independent-thinking people" they publicly honoured a taoiseach in the truest sense of that title. Dingle fishermen raised an estimated €10,000 for the limestone block with a bronze inset of Mr Haughey's image. Some locals had strongly opposed the project, and one man briefly heckled proceedings yesterday.
GAA personality and publican Paidí Ó Sé, a close friend of the Haughey family, remarked that there would always be people to criticise such a venture.