Last week’s news that former Mayor Thomas Menino was suspending his book tour and entering palliative care for his cancer brought somber words from a number of Irish-American politicians who know him well.

“For every Bostonian, whether they supported the mayor or not politically – most of us did because we had multiple opportunities to do so – this is something that strikes home,” said former Massachusetts House Speaker Tom Finneran. He spoke with the media on Friday before the Irish Honors luncheon sponsored by the Reporter’s sister paper The Boston Irish Reporter. “There’s a poignancy to this that is really difficult for us to accept. But you have to do it. This is a part of life.”

Former State Senate and UMass President William Bulger struck a similar note, citing Menino’s resiliency.

“He is standing up to the reality that he faces. It’s a harsh reality, apparently. And he gives an example to us all – not just the people that are going to be struck by his political activity, but this very human part of his life. It’s perhaps an inevitability for everyone. We all have to face up to what he’s facing up to now and he gives us a splendid example.”

Mayor Martin Walsh, who was at the luncheon as an honoree, said he was spending as much time as he could with Menino, a civic figure known worldwide.“I was in Ireland a couple of weeks ago and I spoke at the Belfast City Council. They introduced me as the first mayor in 16 years from Boston to speak at the Belfast City Council. And who spoke before me? Mayor Menino.”

A Twitter message posted last Friday advised those looking to reach the mayor to send cards to Thomas Menino, c/o Initiative on Cities, 75 Bay State Rd, Boston MA 02215.