The remains of Father Sean Fortune were removed to St Michael's Church in his home town of Gorey, Co Wexford, yesterday evening. About 100 mourners attended the removal from the funeral home.
There was a brief confrontation outside the funeral home between a brother of the deceased priest and three local press photographers.
Father Fortune's remains were received by Canon John Gahan, Gorey, assisted by Father John O'Reilly and Father Laurence O'Connor. The Bishop of Ferns, Dr Brendan Comiskey, was not present, but is returning from the US, which he had been visiting for the St Patrick's Day celebrations. Dr Comiskey is due to act as one of the celebrants at the funeral Mass this morning.
About 15 other priests attended the removal ceremony, as did the detective who led the investigation into the allegations of sexual assault which were made against the priest.
Father Fortune's body was found in his home in New Ross last Saturday morning, 10 days before he was due to return to Wexford Circuit Court to face a total of 29 charges.
He will be buried in St Michael's Cemetery, Gorey, after funeral Mass at 10 a.m. today.