Hundreds attend funeral of former GAA head

THE singing voice of Sean O Siochain filled the Church of St John the Baptist, Clontarf, Dublin, yesterday as a recording of his favourite song The Boys of Barr na Sraide was played to the hundreds of mourners at his funeral.

His achievements in Gaelic games, as a player and former director-general, and music, as an accomplished opera singer, were acknowledged. His son, Donal, led the many tributes to "a gentle man in the true sense of the word".

The chief celebrant at the funeral was Father Joe O'Donoghue, a brother-in-law of Mr O Siochain. Presiding over the ceremony were the Archbishop of Cashel and Emly, Dr Dermot Clifford, the Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin, Dr Fiachra O Ceallaigh, and the retired bishop of Waterford, Bishop Russell.

In the sermon, Father Ciaran Holahan, the local parish priest, paid tribute to Mr O Siochain's "quiet, unassuming" nature, and his fondness for the community. "He was rooted in the culture of this country; in everything that was Irish," he said.

"He was a friendly man who could tell a story ... His warm personality came over the air well," said his son, Donal. "The one regret he had in his very full life was that his family sometimes suffered."

The chief mourners were the deceased's widow, Caitlin, sons Donal and Ronan, and daughters, Orla, Aisling, Fiona and Blaithin. His brother, Con, sister, Joanie, and numerous grandchildren were also present.

Included in the large GAA contingent were former association presidents Mr John Dowling, Mr Paddy MacFlynn, Mr Con Murphy, Mr Pat Fanning and Dr Mick Loftus. Former player and Fianna Fail minister, Mr John Wilson; the former Dublin manager, Dr Pat O'Neill, and broadcaster Micheal O Muirceartaigh were also present.

The President was represented by her aide-de-camp, Capt Pauline O'Connell, while the Taoiseach was represented by Capt Morris McQuillane.

Among the politicians present were the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Mr Austin Currie; the Fianna Fail leader, Mr Bertie Ahern; and the Progressive Democrats leader, Ms Mary Harney. Others included Ms Mary, O'Rourke, Mr Ray Burke, Mr Brian Cowen, Mr Joe Walsh, Mr Dermot Ahern, Mr Micheal Martin, Dr Michael Woods, Mr Donal Moynihan and Mr Seamus Brennan. The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Mr Brendan Lynch, also attended.

Prayers and music at the Mass, were in Irish and English. Outside the church, the Artane Boys Band held a guard of honour.

Mr O Siochain's coffin was carried to the graveside at Fingal Cemetery, Dublin, by senior GAA figures Mr Liam Mulvihill, the current director general; Mr Jack Boothman, GAA president; Mr, Joe McDonagh, president elect;, and the four provincial chairmen, Mr Jim Berry (Leinster), Col Noel Walsh (Munster), Mr John Vesey (Ulster), and Mr P.J. McGrath (Connacht).