DERMOT EARLEY “was our chief. He held us together, informed us, inspired us; told each of us what work we ought to be doing and motivated us to do it. He radiated charm and coloured us with his professionalism. He was our appointed leader and our chosen leader,” said Defence Forces chief of staff Lieut Gen Seán McCann.
Paraphrasing a tribute to 19th century Young Ireland founder Thomas Davis, he was delivering a eulogy at the end of the funeral Mass for his predecessor Lieut Gen Dermot Earley, who died last Wednesday. The Mass took place on Saturday at St Conleths church, Newbridge, Co Kildare.
“As we mourn his passing, I speak for every member of Óglaigh na hÉireann when I say: ‘Who is the happy warrior, who is he that every man in arms would wish to be’. That man was Dermot Earley,” he said.
“Dermot had a rare talent to inspire and to motivate . . . He had personal charm and genuine interest in others, which made everyone feel important . . . His vice-like handshake and engaging eye contact conveyed his confidence and belief in the men and women of the Defence Forces which he was so proud to lead.”
In a homily at the Mass, the Defence Forces’ head chaplain Msgr Eoin Thynne said Dermot Earley was “a great man, but to the people of Roscommon he was a mighty man. I have no doubt the motto on his Roscommon jersey summed up his attitude to work, sport and life: Constans Hibernae Cor – steadfast Irish heart”.
It was to be hoped, he said, that people would always remember the words Dermot Earley spoke to many, but especially to young soldiers and cadets: “Your attitude is more important than your ability. Your motives are more important than your methods. Your courage is more important than your cleverness. And have your heart in the right place.”
The Mass was celebrated by Lieut Gen Earley’s brother in law Fr John Egan. He was assisted by the parish priest of Newbridge Fr Joe McDermott. Bishop Jim Moriarty and Bishop of Waterford and Lismore William Lee officiated.
Chief mourners were Lieut Gen Earley’s wife Mary, their children David, Conor, Dermot, Paula, Anne-Marie, Noelle, his mother Kitty, his brothers Peter and Paul, sisters Denise and Margaret.
An overflow attendance included Col Mark McMahon aide-de-camp, representing President Mary McAleese, Taoiseach Brian Cowen, Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin, Minister for Defence Tony Killeen, Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs Pat Carey and Minister of State Áine Kitt.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny also attended as well as TDs Frank Feighan, Denis Naughten, John O’Mahony, Michael Fitzpatrick, Joe Costello, Dublin Lord Mayor Emer Costello and Senators Terry Leyden and Donie Cassidy.
Also present were Government secretary Dermot McCarthy, Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy, Cmdr Frank Lynch of the Naval Service and Brig Gen Ralph James of the Air Corps.
Former taoisigh Albert Reynolds and Bertie Ahern attended as did former minister for defence Michael Smith.
Mayor of Roscommon Tony Ward attended as well as a large number of Roscommon councillors. Representing the GAA were president Christy Cooney and predecessors Nicky Brennan, Joe McDonagh and Jack Boothman, as well as former general secretary Liam Mulvihill.
Also present were Roscommon footballers of Lieut Gen Earley’s era – John O’Gara, Séamus Heyden, John O’Connor, Tony McManus, Junior McManus, Michael Finneran, Seán Kilbride, Gerry Fitzmaurice, Pat Lindsay, Donie Shine snr, as well as Kerry’s Eoin “Bomber” Liston, Mick O’Dwyer and Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh.
After the Mass Lieut Gen Earley’s coffin, draped in a tricolour with his hat and ceremonial sword on top, was carried from St Conleth’s to a gun carriage where, led by Army No 1 band, it began a slow march to Newbridge cemetery in the sunshine.
Family members walked behind the gun carriage with hundreds of members of the Defence Forces marching after them. Politicians were led by Mr Cowen, Government Ministers and Mr Kenny.
Following a short religious service at the cemetery, three volleys were fired in honour of Lieut Gen Earley, followed by The Last Postand Reveilleand a piper playing the Cliffs of Dooneen.
PLAN FOR LIFE LIEUT GEN DERMOT EARLEY
MORE THAN 20,000 cards were distributed by the Defence Forces chaplaincy at the weekend, marking the death and funeral of Lieut Gen Dermot Earley.
They detail the five points for his Plan for Life:
1 Enjoy time with my family
2 Give the best to my work
3 Give back to my community
4 Spend my leisure time well
5 Make time for God in my life
The cards are available at www.militarychaplaincy.ie
