Former Fianna Fáil TD Liam Lawlor was "an iron man" who was subjected to "cruel and vicious" treatment by sections of the media, one of his sons said in an address to mourners at Mr Lawlor's funeral yesterday.
Niall Lawlor said his father had "done the State some service" during a lengthy political career. Behind the "hateful and hurtful" things that had been said about his father lay a "genuine, human person".
Liam Lawlor died last Saturday in a car crash in Moscow. Aged 61, he is survived by Hazel, his wife of 38 years, and family of four.
His funeral in St Patrick's Church, Lucan, yesterday, which was attended by hundreds of neighbours, constituents, friends and political figures, was marked by a robust defence of his character by family members who also criticised the media.
Niall Lawlor told mourners the man who was depicted in some parts of the media in such a "cruel and vicious way" was "a million miles" away from the man he knew.
"I would quietly remind those who turned my father into a figure of hate that, at this time, no court or tribunal has issued a finding or charge against him. You would not think that from what you read or heard, but that is the truth."
He quoted "the Iron Lady", Margaret Thatcher, adding that his father was "an iron man".
"If a person can be tried and found guilty by television or print and vilified by accusation and allegation all personal freedom is dead."
But, referring to inaccurate coverage of the circumstances of his father's death in some papers, he said a funeral was "neither the time nor the place to dwell on these matters. That will be for another day".
Many leading Fianna Fáil figures attended, including the Government chief whip Tom Kitt, former taoiseach Albert Reynolds and former EU commissioner Ray MacSharry. Minister of State Brian Lenihan, former minister Michael Woods and former MEP Niall Andrews were also present.
The Taoiseach, who was in London for a EU leaders' summit, was represented by his aide-de-camp, Cmdt Michael Murray.
Representatives from other parties were mostly local, such as Green TD Paul Gogarty, Labour Senator Joanna Tuffy and Fine Gael Senator Therese Ridge.
Frank Dunlop, who named the deceased politician as the "Mr Big" behind the rezoning of Quarryvale, attended. From the business world, those present included Tom Bailey, Tom Brennan and Jim Mansfield.
Red Hurley and Dickie Rock sang at the end of the service, which lasted almost two hours.
Niall Lawlor told mourners his father never claimed to be a perfect person but he loved life like he loved his hurling - "fast, hard but sporting".
His father regarded hurling in Dublin as "a bit too genteel" and preferred the more robust style played in Co Laois, from where his family hailed. "There's nothing better than a good sharp elbow," Niall recalled his father telling him.
The "hidden side" of Liam Lawlor's personality was his personal generosity to people, even political opponents, his son recalled.
When a house in Lucan was broken into shortly before Christmas one year, his father saw to it that all the toys that were stolen were replaced. He loved "the craic, slagging, and being slagged" and could never imagine living outside Ireland.
He paid special tribute to his father's "lifelong friends", Ambrose Kelly and Jim Kennedy.
Mr Lawlor's friend of many years, Pat Long, told mourners there were two Liam Lawlors - the one depicted in the press and another, the person he knew. He recalled how Mr Lawlor personally delivered bread to families cut off by a snowstorm in Neilstown in the 1980s, sending Christmas hampers to needy constituents and having coal delivered to poor families in Ballyfermot.
"If a problem could be solved, Liam would solve it. If it couldn't be solved, he would still solve it."
The celebrant, Fr Anthony Reilly, described Mr Lawlor as "one of those larger than life characters we all come across from time to time". The deceased was an outstanding communicator, especially "when the going got rough", Fr Reilly noted. A man who loved his family dearly, he was "lively, full of fun and always in good humour".
He recalled that Mr Lawlor was "a proud Dub" who had hurled for his county and was the only Dubliner on the Leinster team in the Railway Cup final in 1970.
A Dublin jersey, hurley and sliotar were among the gifts later presented at the offertory.
Mr Lawlor had great courage, especially in times of difficulty, but always found time to help others, Fr Reilly said.
One of the prayers of the faithful was offered to the Irish Ambassador in Moscow, Justin Harman, and his colleague, Brian McElduff, for their help in the aftermath of the crash.
Ann Polat, Mr Lawlor's constituency secretary for almost 20 years, paid tribute to a "wonderful boss and a great friend", while Mr Lawlor's daughter Ciara recalled his love for life, sport and his children.
Mr Lawlor, his coffin draped in the Tricolour, was buried in Esker cemetery.
