GLOWING tributes were paid to the former Tanáiste and Minister, John Wilson, who died on Monday.

The late Mr Wilson had strong connections with Donegal and Letterkenny in particular.

A native of Cavan he taught in St Eunan's College, Letterkenny in the 1950s and also worked with both the College GAA team and the county senior team.

While in the Cathedral town, he lived at 3 College Row and taught Latin and Greek in the college for eight years.

Mr Michael Cullen, a former student and teacher, replaced Mr Wilson in the summer of 1960 and described him as a "huge presence" in the classroom.

"He got the football back on track at the college and managed the team that won the prestigious Rannafast Cup which was of the big cups of the time. He also led the team to two McCrory Cup finals."

Mr Wilson won two All Ireland medals with his native Cavan and five Ulster Championships medals and helped with the Donegal team in 1966.

Meanwhile, An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, described him as a "sportsman, scholar and a politician who served Cavan and Ireland through decades of endeavour in many fields".

Mr Wilson was first elected to the Dáil in 1973 for the constituency of Cavan and was re-elected in the Cavan/Monaghan constituency.

He retired from the Dáil in 1992 after serving in seven Ministerial positions during his term in office.

He is survived by his wife, Ita, son and daughters, grandchildren, brothers and sisters.