PRESIDENT MARY McAleese and her husband Dr Martin McAleese were among the mourners at the removal of Rory Brady to a packed Church of the Sacred Heart in Donnybrook, Dublin last night.
Hundreds of people from the worlds of politics and law, as well as friends and neighbours, joined Mr Brady’s wife Siobhán, daughters Aoife and Maeve, mother Teresa, and other family members for the ceremony.
Mr Brady (53), who was attorney general from 2002 to 2007, died on Monday.Parish priest Fr Martin Clarke told mourners life was going well for Mr Brady two years ago. He had just celebrated his 50th birthday, had returned to the bar after his years as attorney general, was enjoying family life and had opportunities to travel with his wife and daughters, which he greatly enjoyed. “He had the world at his feet,” he said.
Quite unexpectedly what appeared to be a minor ailment turned into a serious illness which eventually took over his body, while leaving his mind clear. Characteristically, he fought the good fight bravely as he came to terms with his illness, surrounded by the extraordinary support, care and love of his family, friends and colleagues, he said. He was a person of deep faith, Fr Clarke said. He embraced life in so many ways, particularly the opportunity to contribute significantly to the Northern Ireland peace process. Finally he embraced death, he said.
Among the mourners were: Taoiseach Brian Cowen, former taoisigh Bertie Ahern and Albert Reynolds, Cabinet Ministers Mary Harney, Mary Hanafin, Éamon Ó Cuív, John Gormley, Noel Dempsey, Mary Coughlan and Micheál Martin, Attorney General Paul Gallagher SC, Minister of State for Children Barry Andrews and former members of the Cabinet, John O’Donoghue and Rory O’Hanlon. The Chief Justice, Mr Justice John Murray, and president of the High Court Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns led the attendance of 46 members of the judiciary, including Supreme Court judges Mrs Justice Susan Denham, Mr Justice Nial Fennelly, Mrs Justice Fidelma Macken, Mr Justice Liam McKechnie and Mr Justice Donal O’Donnell.
Twenty-five members of the High Court, eight judges of the Circuit Court, including its president Mr Justice Deery, and four judges of the District Court attended. Former Supreme Court judges Mr Justice Hugh Geoghegan and Mr Justice Francis Murphy were-- also present, as was Mr Justice Andrias O’Caoimh, judge of the European court. Former attorneys general Eoin Fitzsimons SC, David Byrne SC, Dermot Gleeson SC and Patrick Connolly were present, along with present and former Garda Commissioners Fachtna Murphy and Pat Byrne.
The Bar was heavily represented, with recently elected chairman of the Bar Council Paul O’Higgins present, along with former chairmen Michael Collins SC, Hugh Mohan SC, and Conor Maguire SC. Miriam O’Callaghan of RTÉ and journalist Vincent Browne were also there.
The funeral takes place after 10 o’clock Mass today.