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THE STATE FUNERAL of Albert Reynolds is being held in Dublin today before he is laid to rest with full military honours.
Mourners will be led by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny and President Michael D Higgins. A number of other dignitaries, including former British Prime Minister John Major, are also expected at the Sacred Heart Church in Donnybrook.
Father Brian D’Arcy will be the chief celebrant for the funeral Mass in the presence of the Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin and a number of other con-celebrants.
Philip Reynolds, the deceased’s son, will give the eulogy and daughter Andrea will read a reflection.
Singers and musicians will include Eimear Quinn, Red Hurley and Paddy Cole.
RTÉ News’ live footage of the Mass will be shown on this website from 11.30am with commentary from John Bowman and Mary Kennedy.
At about 2pm, the funeral cortege will proceed to Shanganagh Cemetery in Shankill, where the former taoiseach will be laid to rest and buried with full military honours.
The Pope has issued a telegram of condolence to be read at the mass, noting with gratitude his efforts to promote peace and reconciliation.
The Mass booklet includes the Taoiseach’s famous quote, “Who is afraid of peace?” and a poem, I See You Dancing , Father by Brendan Kennelly, signed off by his children.
No sooner downstairs after the night’s rest
Than you started to dance a step
In the middle of the kitchen floor
And as you danced
You made your own music
Always in tune with yourself
Well, nearly always, anyway
You’re buried now
In Lislaughin Abbey
And whatever I think of you
I go back beyond the old man
Mind and body broken
To find the unbroken man,
It is the moment before the dance begins,
Your lips are enjoying themselves
Whatever happens or cannot happen
In the time I have to spare
I see you dancing, father
Rest in peace, Dad.
And in the door
You whistled
Whistling an air,
Whatever happens or cannot happen
In the time I have to spare
I see you dancing, father
Rest in peace, Dad.
It also includes a photo of Reynolds and his wife Kathleen with the quote: “Marrying Kathleen was the best decision of my life.”
Albert Reynolds passed away on Thursday following a long illness. He was 81 years old.
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