Mella Carroll knew she was going to die soon, but said: "That's fine, but in the meantime I have something else to do," her brother, Fr Paddy Carroll, told a large congregation at her removal to the church of the Holy Name in Beechwood Avenue, Dublin, last night.
In a voice that sometimes broke, he said: "She was my sister. I loved her and I miss her and I know you do, too. You do her honour by being here."
He said his sister was a believing Christian whose goodness was inspired by the Christmas story. Her generosity, her love, her kindness, her twinkle, were all nurtured by their parents and by the prayer life that came from the church in Beechwood Avenue.
The church was filled with family, neighbours and friends, especially from the legal world.
Mourners were led by her brothers, Milo and Paddy, her sister, Una McCann, and nieces and nephews. President Mary McAleese and her husband Martin attended. The Taoiseach, who is in India, was represented by his aide-de-camp.
The judiciary was led by the Chief Justice, Mr Justice John Murray, and included former chief justice, Mr Justice Ronan Keane. Supreme Court judges included Mr Justice Nial Fennelly, Ms Justice Susan Denham, Ms Justice Catherine McGuinness, Mr Justice Hugh Geoghegan, Mr Justice Adrian Hardiman and Ms Justice Fidelma Macken.
Ms Justice Carroll's tipstaff, Pat Preston, was there, as were many High Court and Circuit Court judges. Attorney General Rory Brady SC attended, as did the chairman of the Bar Council, Hugh Mohan.
Burial is in Waterville, Co Kerry, tomorrow, after Mass at 10am today at Beechwood Avenue.