We need your help now
Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.
You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.
If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.
Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
By continuing, you are indicating that you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
THE WIFE OF finance minister Michael Noonan has passed away.
Florence, who was 68-years-old, had been battling Alzheimer’s Disease for some years. She died at the Milford Hospice in county Limerick last night, according to RTÉ.
She had been diagnosed with pneumonia two weeks ago and was moved from her long-term nursing care to Mid Western Regional Hospital.
Known as Flor to her five children and husband of 43 years, Mrs Noonan was a native of Kerry and a teacher by profession.
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has expressed his sympathies this morning.
On behalf of the Government, I express my deep condolences to Minister for Finance Michael Noonan on the passing of his wife Florence. Our thoughts and prayers are with Michael, their daughters and sons, and their extended family at this time of great loss.
On 31 May 2010, Noonan spoke to Pat Kenny on the Frontline about his experience of dealing with a family member with the disease.
Florence was diagnosed at age 54. Her mother had also died from Alzheimer’s.
He spoke of the tough decision to take Flor into long-term nursing home care. She had started to experience seizures and numerous falls.
She is in a very good place. We were fortunate that there was a new nursing home.
She was in the most advanced stage of the disease by 2010.
Noonan said he believed his appearance on the programme might help other people in caring positions.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Sad for him and all her family and friends . R.I.P
It is a terrible disease for people to experience. May she rest in peace
What kind of person would thumb down this comment?
Neicy, there are people on here who just thumb down to annoy people. Then someone usually reacts to it, as you have, then this encourages more red thumb trolling. Best not to mention it really. Also, some people accidentally do it on smart phones and you can’t rescind a red thumb. Don’t react to it
It’s a horrific illness to watch a loved go through it is unbearable at least she is at peace now condolences to the noonan family
RIP…being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at 54 is tragic. Such a sad disease. All credit to Milford Hospice,they give excellent care to all their patients. My sympathies to Minister Noonan and his family.
Again thumbs down? Why?
@neicy the thumbs down is to try and get a reaction from you.
This website is populated by trolls Neicy. Apart from this comment I’ve just taken to reading rather than participating. Sympathies to Mr Noonan and his family.
I am only too well aware of trolls . In my innocence I thought expressions of sympathy wouldn’t be subjected to their attention seeking behaviour. Sincere condolences to the Noonan family.
If you accidentally down a comment it can’t be undone. I’ve made that mistake a few times myself.
I wouldn’t worry about it girl…some people clearly have loads of time on their hands!!
.Neicy
The thing I’ve noticed about these ‘thumb trollers’ is that they come out in force for the first ten or so comments and then slither away to some other subject.
Boredom sets in early in a dull brain
She may suffer no more, let’s hope more research can be done to help prevent treat and possibly cure the onset of Alzheimer’s . Rip mrs noonan
God help Mr Noonan and his family. Alzheimer’s is a cruel thief, personally speaking it is worse than death. With death at least there is a final resolve with which you can deal. Alzheimers took my father and both his sisters. This may sound very cold but when they passed it was a relief for them and us.My life was on hold for years,years of worry,confusion, trying to do the best for them,then,them getting angry at you.Lots of tears. Guilt at some of the decisions you made for them. By the time my father passed I was both mentally and physically worn out.
I wish the Noonan Family all the best and may God help them at this difficult time.
Very sad, Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease for any family to go through. Condolances to Mr. Noonan and his family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.
So sad. R. I. P. Mrs. Noonan.
Jesus that’s tough. Such an awful disease. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Noonan family today. May she rest in peace.
A cruel disease. And so young to be hit by it. RIP Mrs N. Condolences to the family
RIP .. I wouldn’t wish that disease on my worst enemy, so hard on a family, and so young too. She’s in a better place now..god rest her
RIP !
These pricks put thumbs down to get a reaction !
Condolences to Minister Michael , and his family. May she rest in peace.
Rest In Peace Mrs Noonan. Sincere Condolences To Mr Noonan and his children and extended family for
their loss at this time .
Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam.
Condolences to the Noonan Family.
Beyond political life where we all might differ, it has to be said with in total honesty, it was very obvious still that Michael Noonan loved and cared deeply for his wife.
Respect to him and his family at this time.
May the lady rest in peace.
My sentiments entirely.
Well said.
very sad…is it just me or is the Finance Minister job jinxed
McReevey is still living the high life so no, it’s not jinxed.
Small gripe: Shouldn’t the headline (and similar ones elsewhere) read-
“Florence Noonan, wife of Michael Noonan….”
I remember a newspaper report on the death of the mother of a prominent politician which never gave the name of the lady at all.
Good point Charles…
who cares ? it’s giving the info either way ! Get over it and pay respects. RIP
Deepest sympathies to the Noonan family. Alzheimers and dementia related illnesses are brutally difficult for all concerned.
I remember Michael Noonan speaking on ‘Frontline’ about the experience of having a close family member suffer from this terrible disease and the hurt and despair in his manner was striking.
There is a human side to all this economy lark and misfortune can strike in so many different ways.
Hope he gets back well to do his best for this blighted isle.
Sympathies to all.
What a sad time for the Noonan family and the great dignity with which this tragedy was managed. During the entire illness Michael devoted himself to his wife and to Public Service. Our condolences are but a small way to show our appreciation to both of them.
The journal should put the thumbs down button on the opposite side of page to avoid accidents. RIP and best wishes to the family.
To avoid mistake ‘thumbs downs’ on a smartphone/tablet the journal should move the red & green thumbs buttons to the left of the comment. Its easy to hit the thumbs while just scrolling through the comments (presuming of course that the smartphone user is right handed!)
>>Awaits red thumbs! :D
May she rest in Peace, what an awful disease for everybody affected. Condolences to Minister Noonan and his family. I hope the poor woman is at rest now.
So sad. RIP.
She was a beautiful person. May she rest in peace
have your say