Seán Doherty was described as Cootehall's pope by local priest Fr Brian Conlon when he received his remains at St Michael's church yesterday.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, former taoiseach Albert Reynolds and Labour leader Pat Rabbitte, were among the hundreds of mourners.
They heard Fr Conlon, in a homily laced with affection, sadness and humour, remark that some months ago they had grieved following the death of Pope John Paul II. Two local women, he added, on their way from Henry's shop had said that "The Doc" was their pope. "Seán was our pope here in Cootehall. The names of Cootehall and Seán Doherty were synonymous," he added. Fr Conlon said that the earth had shaken under the feet of those who knew him when they learned of his death.
"Never have I seen as many men cry over the loss of another man," said Fr Conlon, who became friendly with Mr Doherty through local parish work. "There is a deep sense among people of being robbed in daylight of a man who was a friend, a leader, a howl, a warmth, a consolation and a confidant," he said.
"If he had lived to the age of his recently deceased mother, we would have three decades more of him. But, sadly, it was not to be." Fr Conlon added: "Whether a person slapped him on the back or stabbed him in it, Seán understood the roles of the people's game. And in his magnanimous way was sportsman-like. All of us are a work in progress and Seán's maturation was wondrous to behold."
Fr Conlon spoke of his deep faith. He said that Mr Doherty had achieved an inner peace in recent years. To laughter from the congregation, Fr Conlon said: "I know that Seán will do everything in his power and sphere of influence to prepare a place for Mr Haughey, who is currently ill, and knowing Seán they will wonder about the allocation of seats, if not portfolios. Rest in peace, my friend Seán."
Memories of the Doc were recalled last night as people gathered in Henry's pub opposite the church. Cork Fianna Fáil TD Ned O'Keeffe remarked that Mr Doherty would be canonised before Pope John Paul. Michael Henry served refreshments to the mourners. "Seán Doherty was a good man for this area," he said. "His death is tragic."
The chief mourners were Mr Doherty's wife, Maura, daughters, Rachel, Cara, Leah and Evelyn, brothers Kevin and Colm, sisters Ann, Philomena and Maria.
The attendance included Minister for Enterprise and Employment Micheál Martin, Minister for Communications Noel Dempsey, Ministers of State Conor Lenihan, Seán Power and Brendan Smith; TDs Ned O'Keeffe, James McDaid, John Ellis, Michael Finneran, Séamus Kirk, Johnny Brady, Paddy McHugh; Senators Frank Feighan, Terry Leyden, Margaret Cox, Geraldine Feeney, Tony Kett, Francis O'Brien, Camillus Glynn, Eamon Scanlon and the clerk of the Dáil, Kieran Coughlan.
Also there were the EU Commissioner, Charlie McCreevy, and former government minister Máire Geoghegan-Quinn.
Mr Doherty will be buried today in Ardcarne cemetery after 11 o'clock mass.