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Graham Hughes/Photocall Ireland

Fr Alec Reid offered 'image of decency struggling to assert itself amidst brutality'

The Tipperary priest passed away in Dublin early this morning.

PRESIDENT MICHAEL D Higgins has paid tribute to the life of Fr Alec Reid, who passed away today commenting that his ministering the last rites of two British corporals offered an image of decency.

The president commented on how the priest had “selflessly served communities in both parts of this island with both compassion and humility for over 60 years”.

“Fr Reid spent four decades in Clonard Monastery in Belfast ministering to a community traumatised by the violence and division of the troubles,” he said today. “During that time, he witnessed events of both deep despair and great hope”.

His ministering of the last rites to the two British corporals brutally killed in 1988 offered us an image of decency struggling to assert itself amidst brutality.

President Higgins said the man will “perhaps best be remembered for the courageous part he played in identifying and nurturing the early seeds of an inclusive peace process”.

“While he spent the last few years of his life in Dublin, Fr. Reid would have been gratified by the positive transformation that is under way throughout Northern Ireland, and especially in the Belfast that he loved so well,” he added.

The Tipperary priest passed away in Dublin early this morning, aged 82.

Read: Peace process hero Fr Alec Reid passes away, aged 82>

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    Mute John Kavanagh
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    Oct 16th 2014, 8:40 AM

    Ebola seems to be the new scary thing these days,…should be re named “Bird Flu , the sequel”…………just read on Nat Geo, “Fears Ebola could mutate and become more deadly”, well, I have just one question,…. whats more deadly than deadly?……maybe their just getting in to the spirit for Halloween..

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    Mute Will Derbylight
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    Oct 16th 2014, 9:11 AM

    Childish post – you 9?

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    Mute Maurice Danaher
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    Oct 16th 2014, 9:46 AM

    The clock is at 8 !

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    Mute Andrew Sweeney
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    Oct 22nd 2014, 12:14 PM

    And it’s Wednesday not Thursday

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