Hundreds of people from a cross-section of life - including politics, church, law, business, journalism - attended the removal of Mrs Joan FitzGerald, wife of the former Taoiseach Dr Garret FitzGerald to the Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook yesterday. She died on Sunday after a long illness.
The overflow attendance was led by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, and the Tanaiste, Ms Harney.
The service was conducted by Father Patrick Dowling, PP, Rathgar, who expressed sympathy to the family. He said that with the passing of Joan, the FitzGerald family had lost a wonderful mother and Garret a wonderful wife.
Because of her pain she had sometimes found it difficult to talk, but at other times she would be full of joy, wit and good humour. That was how he remembered her. The large attendance showed the great affection in which she was held. Father Dowling was assisted by the Rev Prof Enda McDonagh, chairman of the UCC governing body and formerly professor of moral theology and canon law at St Patrick's College, Maynooth, and Monsignor Richard Sherry, PP, Donnybrook.
The chief mourners were Dr FitzGerald, daughter Mary, and sons John and Mark.
Among the large number of politicians were: Mr John Bruton TD, leader of Fine Gael; Mr Liam Cosgrave, former Taoiseach; Mrs Nora Owen TD, deputy leader, Fine Gael; Mr Seamus Mallon, Deputy First Minister, Northern Ireland Assembly; Mr David Andrews, Minister for Foreign Affairs; Mr Seamus Brennan, Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach; Mr Sean Barrett TD; Mr Bernard Durkan TD; Mr Alan Dukes TD; Ms Olivia Mitchell TD; Mr Jim Mitchell TD; Ms Frances Fitzgerald TD; and Mr Michael O'Kennedy TD.
Among the former deputies were Mr Tom Fitzpatrick, Mr Jim Tunney, Mr George Bermingham, Mr Michael McDowell, Mr Tom O'Donnell, Mr Larry McMahon, Judge Michael O'Leary.
Present from the legal profession, which was well represented, were former chief justice, Mr Tom O'Higgins, and former President of the High Court, Mr Declan Costello, both also former TDs, and Mr David Byrne SC, Attorney General.
The media was represented by Mr Conor Brady, editor, The Irish Times, Mr John Bowman, Mr Brian Farrell, Mr Rodney Rice, Mr Vincent Browne, Mr Mike Burns, Mr Bill O'Herlihy (all of RTE), Mr Stephen Collins, Sunday Tribune, Mr Dick Walsh, Ms Caroline Walsh and Ms Mary Holland (The Irish Times).
From the world of education were Prof Brendan Walsh, UCD, and Prof Paddy Geary, Maynooth.
The former ombudsman, Mr Michael Mills, Mr Lochlann Quinn, chairman of Allied Irish Bank, and Mr Seamus Smyth, film censor, were also present.
Mrs FitzGerald, who was born in Liverpool in 1924 of Irish parents, was married to Dr FitzGerald for 52 years. She has been described as having acute political intelligence and great personal courage. Numerous tributes were paid to her from across Ireland and England since her death was announced. She was recognised as a tremendous support and inspiration to Dr FitzGerald during his political career, and particularly when he was Taoiseach.
The funeral will take place after 10 a.m. Mass to Shanganagh cemetery.