Politicians past and present joined the crowds of mourners at the funeral yesterday of the former Fianna Fail TD and minister, Jim Gibbons, who died at the weekend aged 73. In an oration delivered during Mass in St John's Church, Co Kilkenny, the Progressive Democrats junior minister, Mr Bobby Molloy, described Mr Gibbons as a "kind husband, loving father and a fine patriot".
Mr Gibbons had served under three Taoisigh, Eamon de Valera, Sean Lemass and Jack Lynch, Mr Molloy said, and was always a man of great integrity. "He was a man with real values, who always sought the truth. I admired his ability, judgment, knowledge, loyalty, honesty and shining integrity." Mr Molloy praised Mr Gibbons's handling of the negotiations for Ireland's entry to the EEC, adding: "His ministerial powers were most effectively and innovatively exercised following his appointment in 1970 as minister for agriculture." The chief celebrant of the Mass, Father Peter Muldowney, said there were times in Mr Gibbons's career when there were misunderstandings and mix-ups and when he suffered rejection and was deeply hurt. Ten priests concelebrated the Mass which was presided over by the Bishop of Ossory, Dr Laurence Forristal.
The President, Mrs McAleese, was represented by her aide-de-camp, Commandant Hugh Bonner; the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, was represented by Capt Maurice Quinlan.
Also at the service were: the Ceann Comhairle, Mr Seamus Pattison; the Minister for Defence, Mr Smith; the Minister of State for the Marine, Mr Hugh Byrne; the Minister of State for Finance, Mr Martin Cullen; Mr Phil Hogan TD, Mr John McGuinness TD, Mr Liam Aylward TD, and the former minister for education, Mr Martin O'Donoghue.
The lessons during the ceremony were read by three of Mr Gibbons's daughters - Una, Elizabeth and Barbara - and a son, Pat. Mr Gibbons is survived by his wife Peg, six daughters and four sons. A fifth son died three years ago.