The remains of former taoiseach Albert Reynolds will lie in repose this afternoon at the Mansion House in Dublin in advance of his State funeral. His son Philip will deliver the eulogy at the requiem Mass on Monday.
Mr Reynolds, taoiseach from February 1992 until November 1994, died on Thursday aged 81 after an illness.
A large attendance of senior politicians, Council of State members, church leaders, judges, diplomats, senior gardaí and representatives of national organisations is expected at the funeral.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny will attend the removal this evening and the requiem Mass at noon on Monday. President Michael D. Higgins will attend the Mass.
Tributes have been paid to the former Fianna Fáil leader by a succession of leaders in Ireland, Britain and the US.
Mr Reynolds’s remains will be conveyed privately to the Mansion House today from his home at the Four Seasons complex in Ballsbridge.
Book of condolence
The public will have an opportunity to file past his coffin in the Oak Room from 1-6pm and sign a book of condolence.
Mr Reynolds’s remains are scheduled to leave the Mansion House shortly after 7pm for the 4km journey to the Church of the Sacred Heart at Donnybook.
The hearse will be accompanied by a lieutenants’ escort of honour, with motorcycle outriders drawn from the Second Cavalry Squadron at Cathal Brugha barracks. A party of pall-bearers from Defence Forces headquarters will march alongside the hearse.
Moderate traffic restrictions will apply on certain parts of the route, including at Donnybrook village.
The hearse, accompanied by the Reynolds family, is scheduled to arrive in Donnybrook for the formal reception of the remains at 7.30pm. Mr Reynolds’s coffin will be conveyed into the church by a military police bearer party from the Second Brigade at Cathal Brugha barracks.
RTÉ will provide live coverage of this evening’s removal and of the requiem Mass.
The chief celebrant will be Fr Brian D’Arcy, in the presence of the Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Diarmuid Martin.
After Mass the funeral cortege will proceed to Shanganagh Cemetery in Shankill. The burial is scheduled from 2-2.30pm. There are no plans for a graveside oration.
Books of condolences have been sent to the following locations: Government Buildings; the Department of Finance; the General Post Office; the Houses of the Oireachtas; the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources; the Department of Transport; Iveagh House, headquarters of the Department of Foreign Affairs; Dublin City Council Civic Offices; and Fianna Fáil head office.
City and county councils may open books at their own discretion.
