Removal of Dermot Earley today

The removal will take place this evening of former Defence Forces chief of staff and GAA All Star Dermot Earley, who died on …

The removal will take place this evening of former Defence Forces chief of staff and GAA All Star Dermot Earley, who died on Wednedsday after suffering with illness in recent months. He was 62.

Lieut Gen Earley was educated at St Nathy’s College, Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon, and joined the Army in 1965. He was one of the first officers to join the Army Ranger Wing, when it was in its infancy.

He served with the UN in the Middle East from 1975-1977 and was adjutant of the 52nd Infantry Battalion with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon in 1982 and 1983. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1995 and commanded the 27th Infantry Battalion on the Border. In 2001, he became a colonel and in December 2003 a brigadier general. In February 2004, he was promoted to major general.

He played Gaelic football for Roscommon for 20 years from 1965 to 1985. He was regarded as one of the greatest players never to win an All-Ireland medal. He later managed the Roscommon and Kildare senior football teams.

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Mr Earley's remains will be at St Brigid's Church, the Curragh Camp, the Curragh, Co. Kildare from 1pm to 7pm. He will be removed from St Brigid's Church and brought to St Conleth's Parish Church, Naas Road, Newbridge, Co. Kildare, to arrive at 8.30pm.

His funeral mass will take place tomorrow at 11am, with burial with full military honours at St Conleth's Graveyard, Athgarvan Road, Newbridge.

He is survived by his wife Mary and their six adult children.

Gardaí have warned of serious traffic restrictions in place around Newbridge and the Curragh Co Kildare tonight and tomorrow for the funeral.

Gardaí say they are expecting large attendances and delays on all national, secondary, routes around the Newbridge, Kildare and Naas towns and have advised people wishing to attend the funeral to allow extra time in travelling.

Tonight, the road between the Curragh Roundabout and Brownstown cross will be closed between 7 and 8pm while Edward St in Newbridge will be closed from 7.30pm.

The Naas Road from the LiffeyBridge, Newbridge to Wyeth Roundabout will also be closed between 8 and 9pm. It will also be closed between 10am and 1pm tomorrow and only traffic attending the funeral will be allowed pass.

Tomorrow diversions will be in place around Newbridge and traffic will not be allowed pass through the town until mid afternoon. From 12.30pm to 2.30pm the Kilcullen Road from Athgarvan Village to Royston and the Athgarvan Road from Liffey Bridge to Cutlery Road will also be closed.

There will be no parking facilities in the immediate vicinity of St Conleth’s Parish Church however parking will be available in Newbridge town centre and the Bord Na Móna car park.