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Albert Reynolds is laid to rest following state funeral in Dublin

Former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds has been laid to rest in south Dublin following a state funeral....
Newstalk
Newstalk

06.37 25 Aug 2014


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Albert Reynolds is laid to res...

Albert Reynolds is laid to rest following state funeral in Dublin

Newstalk
Newstalk

06.37 25 Aug 2014


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Former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds has been laid to rest in south Dublin following a state funeral. He was given full military honours by his graveside at Shanganagh Cemetery.

Mr Reynolds - who was 81 - died last Thursday.

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Earlier, Mr Reynolds was praised as a peacemaker and a central figure to bringing an end to violence in Northern Ireland.

Those were the words of Fr Brian D'Arcy at the funeral mass.

Among those attending the funeral at the Sacred Heart Church were President Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Enda Kenny and former Taoisigh Liam Cosgrave, Bertie Ahern, John Bruton and Brian Cowen.

Former British Prime Minister John Major also attended, saying where else would he be on this day.

Former UK PM John Major arrives for the service

Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and the Northern Secretary Theresa Villiers were present too, alongside fashion designer Louise Kennedy and racehorse owner JP McManus.

Fr D'Arcy said the mass was prayerful and joyous - as that is what Mr Reynolds wanted.

Reading a reflection, Albert's daughter Andrea paid tribute to her father's public life.

The Reynolds family arrive at the church

Meanwhile Pope Francis conveyed his condolences to the family of Mr Reynolds.

The Pope expressed his thanks for the late Taoiseach's efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Ireland.

The Papal telegram to the Reynolds family | Image: Merrion Street

Eimear Quinn, along with musicians Paddy Cole and Eamon Monaghan, were central to the mass, with "Stranger on a Shore" for reflection at communion.

The grandchildren of the former Taoiseach brought up symbols to reflect his life - among them the award of the Freedom of Longford, a deck of cards, a tin of dog food to represent the family business, a racing card and his copy of the Downing Street Declaration.

In his homily, Fr D'Arcy said Mr Reynolds was working for peace long before Taoiseach - he had transported letters to and from Mr Reynolds and people in the North he did not know.

Taoseach Enda Kenny pays his respects to the Reynolds family

Fr D'Arcy also delivered this eulogy about Mr Reynolds.

His son Philip delivered a eulogy before the final commendation from the Primate of Ireland and Archbishop of Dublin, Diarmaid Martin.

Philip said it was a great tragedy that Albert's illness meant the youngest members of his family never got to know him.

Mr Reynolds is brought to his final resting place at Shanganagh Cemetery
Former Taoisigh John Bruton and Brian Cowen
Former Taoisigh Bertie Ahern and Brian Cowen
His widow Kathleen shares a lighter moment with sons Albert and Philip during the mass

The Reynolds family at the service

Flags on all government buildings flew at half mast today, until Mr Reynolds was laid to rest.

Mr Reynold's widow follows the coffin

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