Senior State and church figures joined hundreds of mourners in Co Down yesterday for the funeral of Patrick (Paddy) Leneghan, father of former president Mary McAleese.

Mr Leneghan (88), originally from Croghan, Co Roscommon, had been ill for some time. He is survived by his widow, Claire, who was unable to attend due to illness.

The mourners were led by Mrs McAleese and her family. The former president is the eldest of a family of nine and includes sisters Norah, Catherine (Kate) and Claire, and brothers Damien, John, Patrick, Phelim and Clement.

The large cortege included the Taoiseach; former taoisigh Brian Cowen and Bertie Ahern; and three bishops, Noel Treanor, Bishop of Down and Connor; John McAreavey, Bishop of Dromore; and Christy Jones, Bishop of Elphin.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness led a delegation of mourners from Sinn Féin, including Assembly member Caitriona Ruane; Mayor of Newry and Mourne Mickey Ruane and Councillor Mick Murphy.

SDLP leader Alasdair McDonnell was accompanied by party colleagues. Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan attended, as did former cathaoirleach of the Seanad Rory Kiely, Mayor of Roscommon Martin Connaughton and Councillor John Cummins.