Graham Smyth of Ballydarton House, Fenagh, was buried in the shade of the solid granite church of Nurney, Co Carlow, which was his place of worship. There, above the Barrow Valley with the Killeshin Hills in the distance, we gathered to bid farewell. We were still numbed, stunned and shocked by the suddeness and violence of his death as he drove along the road about his business.
Graham was one of a generation who loved the Church of Ireland. He was a man of independent spirit and mind. He filled almost every office in the Church of Ireland open to a layman. He had made a study of its constitution.
My last memory of him was striding up to the podium of the General Synod to appeal to the Court of the General Synod. His was a dignified and restrained presence that day as he strode forward in immaculate pin-striped suit. This good-looking man almost had a patrician, statesman-like presence that day. Here was one layman struggling to see democracy triumph over autocracy. I don't believe he lived to hear the result of his appeal.
I came to know Graham when he joined our committee to save the Palace, Kilkenny. This issue became for him a passionate crusade. He believed with every sinew of his being that it was a retrograde step for the Church of Ireland to part with the bishop's house.
Graham ruffled feathers. He was no yes man. He believed that procedure had been violated, and ecclesiastical politics had got its way. He was not alone, for there were several thousand others in the Diocese of Ossory, Ferns and Leighlin who shared his sentiments.
Alongside the intensity of his views and feelings there was a deep warmth. There was a mischievous twinkle in his eye, and an engaging sense of humour.
Now he has left us and the Diocese of Leighlin is impoverished by his passing. Will anyone take up the mantle of this latter-day Elijah? It was sad that a divisive diocesan issue had brought us together, but maybe on the other side of "the great divide" Graham may still see justice prevail.
The county of Carlow has lost a natural leader. Brother Graham, thank you for all you contributed to diocesan life. Our thoughts are with your sorrowing wife, son and daughter. May you rest in Peace.
N.T.R.