State Funeral Today For Former President

The State Funeral of former President Dr Patrick Hillery is to take place at St Mary's Pro-Cathedral in Dublin on Wednesday.

Some of the high profile attendees include the current Irish President Mary McAleese, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and representatives of the Oireachtas, Judiciary and Diplomatic Corps along with Norhern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister Martin McGuiness and SDLP Deputy Leader, Aladair McDonnel.

Dr Hillery, who held the presidency for two terms from 1976, died on Saturday in Dublin aged 84.

Serving as president from 1976 to 1990, in which time he oversaw the papal visit and the early stirrings of the 'Celtic Tiger'.

His presidency was punctuated by his refusal to accept calls to the presidential home during ex-Taoiseach Garret Fitzgerald’s request for dissolution in 1982. The decision affected the following elections and led to far reaching implications or the country.

The present President and Taoiseach are scheduled to read at the mass while Taoiseach-in-waiting Brian Cowen will deliver a graveside oration.

At the request of the family, as Dr Hillery is laid to be laid to rest beside his daughter Vivienne in St Fintan’s Cemetery, overlooking Dublin Bay.

Dr Hillery's grandchildren will bring gifts to the altar including his sailing cap and a painting of his house at Spanish Point in his native Co Clare.

Afterwards the funeral cortege will be led into St Fintan's cemetery in Sutton under military escort with a lone piper. 'The Last Rose of Summer' will be played before the coffin is lowered into the ground.

Gardaí are advising the public of traffic disruptions in Dublin city as a result of the State Funeral.

(DW)