Familiar faces from the entertainment world joined the family of the late Maureen Potter to pay their respects at her removal in Dublin last night. Christine Newman reports
They heard how the diminutive entertainer had been full of energy and enthusiasm as she drew young and old to her shows.
Mourners came from the theatre, television and radio - the actors, producers, entrepreneurs and those who helped her backstage giving testament to the remarks of the celebrant, Father Dermot Leycock, that everybody had been moved or affected by Maureen Potter.
Describing the actress as a devoted wife and mother and a caring and charitable woman, Father Leycock said her unique God-given gifts of getting to the heart of things touched people everywhere. She used her talent as a performer to bring healing and cheer to many an ailing heart.
"Maureen Potter is a very good role model for anyone struggling for a meaning in life today," he said at St Brigid's Church, Killester.
The chief mourners were her husband, Mr Jack O'Leary, sons John and Hughy, daughters-in-law and grandsons. The President, Mrs McAleese, was represented by her aide-de-camp, Capt Michael Treacy, and the Government by the Minister for Arts, Tourism and Sport, Mr O'Donoghue. The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Mr Royston Brady, was also present.
The mourners included fellow entertainers David Kelly, Phyllis Ryan, Rosaleen Linehan, Robert Carrickford, Frank Kelly, Ronnie Drew, Adele King and Pauline McLynn. Also there were Hugh Leonard, Peter Sheridan, John McColgan and Moya Doherty.
Other lifelong friends included Ms Rosaleen Walsh, Ms Potter's dresser, and Mr Dale King who frequently chauffeured her.
Others present were Mr Dick O'Leary and Ms Jane Boushell of Irish Actors' Equity, and actor Garrett Keogh, captain of the Theatrical Cavaliers, the cricket club of which Ms Potter was patron for many years.
The funeral will be to Clontarf Cemetery after 10 a.m. Mass today.