IRELAND:The life and accomplishments of Sir Edmund Hillary, described as a humble hero who stood on top of the world, were honoured during a service of remembrance in Dublin last night.
A large congregation including members of the New Zealand and Nepalese communities, politicians and explorers gathered at St Ann's Church on Dawson Street to pay tribute to the first man to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Depesh Man of the Nepalese Community said Hillary would be remembered as a "generous philanthropist" and "father figure" within the Himalayan community.
He commended him for "not turning his back on the plight of the Himalayan people" once he scaled Mount Everest and for devoting his life to helping Nepalese people through building schools, clinics and hospitals.
New Zealand honorary consul to Ireland Alan McCarthy and the Minister of State for Trade and Commerce John McGuinness delivered readings during the service.
Intercessional prayers were offered by Pat Falvey of the Beyond Endurance team which recently reached the South Pole, and Brendan O'Byrne of the Tom Crean Society.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Innovation Policy, Michael Ahern, represented Ireland at Hillary's state funeral in New Zealand yesterday.
He said he was honoured to represent the Irish Government at the funeral of "one of New Zealand's greatest national heroes" and the provider one of the 20th century's most defining moments.
"Since his death the world has mourned the passing of one of the world's greatest adventurers of all time. He was an inspirational figure for so many and stands alongside such greats as Scott, Shackleton, our own great Tom Crean," Mr Ahern said.
