The Taoiseach was represented yesterday by his ADC, Capt Ger O'Grady, at the funeral in Dublin of Ms Lynette Burns (nee Fegen), who died on Friday after a short illness.
Ms Burns was managing director of Media Information Services and Irish Media Contacts Directory. She formerly served with the European Commission in Dublin and was prominently involved with the Association of European Journalists. She was married to the former head of news features at RTE, Mr Mike Burns.
The service, at the Church of St Bartholomew, Clyde Road, was led by the Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Walton Empey. The cortege was led to the altar by the Rev William J. Richie, rector of St Bartholomew's.
A large congregation, representing the worlds of politics, diplomacy, law and the media, attended, as well as many friends. Appreciations were spoken by Mr Burns and by Senator Maurice Manning.
The Minister for Public Enterprise, Ms O'Rourke, was present, as were two former Taoisigh, Mr Liam Cosgrave and Mr John Bruton. The SDLP leader, Mr John Hume, attended. Other political figures who attended included Mrs Nora Owen, Mr Michael O'Ken nedy TD, Ms Joan Burton, Mr T.W. Enright TD, Mr Austin Currie TD, Senator Liam Cosgrave and Ms Mary Banotti MEP. Mr Peter Temple Morris of the British Irish Interparliamentary Group was present.
Among the diplomats present was the British ambassador, Sir Ivor Roberts, and Lady Roberts. Ireland's Ambassador to the UN at New York, Mr Richard Ryan, and Mrs Ryan were present.
Mr Justice Adrian Hardiman and Mr Justice John Murray of the Supreme Court attended, as did former judges Mr Hugh O'Flaherty and Mr Cyril Kelly. Mr John McMenamin SC and solicitors Ms Mary Hayes and Mr David Molony were present.
There was a large presence of media representatives. These included the editor of The Irish Times, Mr Conor Brady, and Mrs Brady; Mr Dick Walsh and other members of the political staff. Mr Kevin Healy and Mr Ed Mulhall of RTE were present along with many journalists and others from the station.
Others attending from the media world included Mr Sean Duignan, Mr David Hanly, Mr Sam Smyth, Mr Cathal O'Shannon, Mr Michael Keane, Mr John Cooney and Mr Tim Ryan.
Present also were Father Tom Stack, Mr Peter Doyle, Mr Tom Toner, Mr Joe Fahy, Mr P.J. Mara, Mr Bob Ryan and Mr Brendan Halligan.