Two Fianna Fáil dynasties merged yesterday in a final farewell to Niall Andrews. The ceremonies at the funeral Mass and burial of the former TD, MEP and minister of state, were laced with sadness and humour as tributes were paid to the colourful and sometimes controversial politician.
The eulogy at the Church of the Holy Cross, Dundrum, was delivered by Dublin MEP Eoin Ryan. His father, also named Eoin Ryan, senator and businessman, and grandfather, Dr Jim Ryan, government minister, had been close political associates of Mr Andrews's father, Todd Andrews, a founder of Fianna Fáil, an author, and a prominent public figure for decades.
Mr Ryan, who succeeded Niall Andrews in the European Parliament, said he was a man who felt love and affection for people, particularly the people of Dublin.
"His love for Dublin stemmed from Todd Andrews, author of Dublin Made Me. He often recounted how much of an honour it was to be elected by the people of Dublin to the Dáil and the European Parliament time and time again. He used to say that he could never understand why he was elected, but that he must be doing something right."
He said that Mr Andrews never forgot his roots. "He was born into a republican family with deep Fianna Fáil traditions."
Mr Ryan added that while his death was sad. they should celebrate his life. "That is what he would like us to do. There was nobody better to celebrate his life than Niall. He touched everybody he came in contact with. You never left Niall's company without feeling better about yourself and about life." He spoke of Mr Andrews's courageous battle with cancer since it was diagnosed earlier this year Mr Andrews, he said, was a man of great panache and unique style.
Amid laughter from the congregation, he added: "He is being buried today in his favourite pink jacket which is part of his colourful clothing attire. He was never allowed wear that pink jacket in Ireland. And Chris (son and Dáil candidate) told me he was never allowed wear it in Dublin South East."
The concelebrated Mass, with chief celebrant Father Donal Doherty, parish priest of Dundrum, featured hymns, readings, and prayers of the faithful read by family members. There was also a reading from the Koran. As the coffin, draped in the Tricolour, was taken from the church, the traditional Irish song, The Parting Glass, was sung. Mr Andrews was then taken on his last journey through the busy suburbs of the city to Mount Venus Cemetery.
The chief mourners were his wife, Bernadette; son Chris; daughters Niamh and Kate; brothers David, a former Fianna Fáil minister and TD, and Hugh; sister, Catherine; grandchildren, nephews, including Barry Andrews TD and broadcaster Ryan Tubridy; and nieces.
President Mary McAleese was represented by Capt Michael Treacy and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern by Comdt Michael Murray.
The attendance also included Minister for Education Mary Hanafin, Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs Séamus Brennan; Cathaoirleach of the Seanad Rory Kiely; Ministers of State for Foreign Affairs Conor Lenihan and Noel Treacy; TDs Charlie O'Connor, Denis O'Donovan, Michael Mulcahy, Ruairí Quinn, Seán Crowe; former ministers Gerard Collins, Dr Michael Woods; former tánaiste and European commissioner Ray MacSharry; Senators Eddie Bohan, Martin Mansergh, Cyprian Brady, Anne Ormonde; MEP Gay Mitchell; former MEPs Jim Fitzsimons, Mary Banotti; former TDs Fergus O'Brien, Nora Owen, Brian Hillery and John Horgan, local councillors Gerry Harkan and John Lahart, special adviser to Government Chief Whip Tom Kitt.
Also present were Fianna Fáil general secretary Seán Dorgan, national organiser Seán Sherwin; former party general secretary Pat Farrell; former High Court judge Dermot Kinlen; former head of the Government Information Services Bart Cronin; former Lord Mayor of Dublin Royston Brady; businessman Charlie Chawke; actor and comedian Des Keogh; and former Beirut hostage Brian Keenan.
