IT WAS an unlikely alliance, that between Dominican priest Fr Austin Flannery and the late general secretary of the Communist Party of Ireland, Michael O'Riordan.
But, in the words of Mr O'Riordan's daughter Brenda, quoted by Fr Flannery's brother Jimmy at his requiem Mass in Dublin yesterday, "when nobody saw the link between true communism and true Christianity, he [Fr Flannery] and Dad [Mr O'Riordan] confounded the theorists and shared many a common platform on social justice issues."
Mr Flannery recalled how the late trade unionist Michael Mullen had asked him "how Austin was, as he appeared to have become quiet on issues. I said, 'Austin is becoming conservative with age'. Micky's reply was, 'Austin is not changing - society is and is catching up with his thinking'."
Earlier, in his homily, Fr Tom Jordan said: "Austin was a preacher through the written and spoken word. He was a big man, with an even bigger heart.
"Blessed with natural gifts of intelligence, a warm and caring personality, a great sense of humour, he had a unique way of reaching out to others no matter how different they might have been in background, education, political or religious belief."
He recalled Fr Flannery's pioneering work as editor of Doctrine Life magazine and how his sense of justice led to him joining and jointly leading the Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement with Kadar Asmal.
For similar reasons Fr Flannery became involved with the Irish School of Ecumenics. "He felt deeply the pain of separation experienced among the baptised followers of Jesus Christ," Fr Jordan recalled.
The Mass, at St Saviour's Church, Dominick Street, was celebrated by vicar provincial Fr Laurence Collins, assisted by Fr Anthony Morris, prior at St Saviour's, Fr Bernard Treacy, editor of Doctrine Life magazine, and Fr Jordan.
Among clergy present were the Church of Ireland Bishop of Meath and Kildare, Right Rev Richard Clarke, Fr Enda McDonagh and Msgr Tom Stack. Chief mourners were Fr Flannery's sisters Phyllis and Sadie and brothers Paul and Jimmy. President Mary McAleese was represented by Capt Niamh O'Mahony and the Taoiseach by Capt Michael Tracey.
The large congregation included Government Secretary Dermot McCarthy and former PD leader Desmond O'Malley.
