THE REMAINS of former president of Ireland Patrick Hillery were laid to rest yesterday alongside his daughter Vivienne, who died at the age of 17 in 1987.
Thousands lined the streets in the centre of Dublin as the cortege passed from the Pro-Cathedral to St Fintan's Cemetery in Sutton.
In a graveside oration at the conclusion of the State funeral, Tánaiste and leader-designate of Fianna Fáil Brian Cowen stressed the role that Dr Hillery had played in supporting Jack Lynch and the peaceful approach to Northern Ireland during the period 1969 to 1972 when that policy position came under threat.
"Ireland is not just a successful nation. It is also a peaceful place now," said Mr Cowen.
"Much has been made - and rightly so - of the achievements of the last decade and more, in realising this transformation. What must be remembered, though, is that the despair that we experienced through the 70s, 80s and much of the 90s, could have been unimaginably worse."
He recalled that at the start of Northern Ireland's "descent into darkness", Dr Hillery was minister for foreign affairs. "His support for the embattled nationalist community was unflinching. So too was his support for our Constitution. At that most delicate point, he played a critical role in defending constitutional republicanism.
"He believed that Fianna Fáil's mission was to achieve republican objectives solely by peaceful means. For him there could never be any question about the commitment of this party to a truly Irish-based constitutional democracy."
Mr Cowen added that those who lived through that period know just how profound an influence Dr Hillery was. "Ireland and my party, Fianna Fáil, owe him a huge debt for the manner in which he stood four square behind the leadership, behind the Constitution, and what it represented for a still young republic."
Mr Cowen who began his oration in Irish, said: "If greatness is judged by the content of character - we stand at the graveside of a great man today."
He described Dr Hillery as an exceptional figure in Irish life who had sculpted his political career quietly but no less effectively for that. Each impression that he carved was rooted in meeting, in full, his obligations to all his fellow citizens.
"The Ireland Paddy Hillery leaves behind is a peaceful, highly educated, confident Republic . . . and respected member of modern Europe. That is his legacy," said Mr Cowen.
"Over his 39 years of unbroken service to his country he was a TD, a reforming government minister, Ireland's first European commissioner and he served two terms as Uachtarán na hÉireann. Throughout, his passion was singular - Ireland. His resolve was simple: to advance the cause of its people."
The burial took place after Requiem Mass at noon, at which the principal celebrant was Fr Aidan Lehane of the Holy Ghost order, a close friend of the Hillery family. Fr Des Hillery, a nephew of the late president, concelebrated. The lessons were read by President Mary McAleese and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
In his homily Fr Hillery said that as a medical doctor, Dr Hillery had inherited three skills: those of listening, examining and of diagnosis. During his time as president he listened to what people had to say. "Underlying all of this was a private and even a shy man. A person whose sense of fairness, kindness and hard work were based on values he grew up with at home, developed through his life and now acclaimed as we gave thanks for his long life."
Archbishop of Dublin Dr Diarmuid Martin described Dr Hillery as "a pioneering artisan in building a modern Ireland". Speaking before the prayers of final commendation Dr Martin said Dr Hillery was an "Irishman and European; statesman, diplomat and politician, husband, father and grandfather and friend. A man of wisdom and great human warmth; a man of integrity and a believing Christian".
