The storyteller, actor and author, Eamon Kelly, needed no prop but his hat, Mr ╔amon ╙ Murch·, his lifelong friend, said at a graveside oration in Dublin on Saturday.
"As soon as he donned that hat he was transformed, taking on instantly the demeanour of the seancha∅. Eamon then gave full rein to a flow of rich Kerry idiom, every syllable carefully chiselled and clearly enunciated. This new and strange but vibrant form of expression enthralled and engaged the listener or observer by progressively intoxicating them into a comfortable reassuring dream world of magical humour."
A large attendance of friends, neighbours, representatives of the theatre and media, attended the Requiem Mass at St Brendan's church, Coolock, and his burial at Fingal cemetery, Balgriffin.
Mr ╙ Murch· said to appreciate the pulse which permeated the life and work of Eamon Kelly, one must acknowledge the extraordinary landscape and traditions of his native Sliabh Luachra with its rich heritage of music, song, story and poetry. "Eamon's quintessential voice, imaginative skill, facial expression, sense of timing and powerful restraint have made him one of Ireland's best-known actors of stage, television and film."
The celebrant paid tribute to Mr Kelly's many talents. Father Dermod McCarthy said: "There is a deep need in the human psyche for stories. They bring with them both comfort and healing. Eamon was totally aware of their power and value. He placed himself firmly in the centre of that rich tradition and worked wonders on his audiences, whether seated before him in a theatre or listening on radio sets in remote corners of the land."
The chief mourners were Mr Kelly's wife, Maura, their sons Eoin and Brian, daughter SinΘad, his brothers Johnny and Laurence, and sisters Hannah and Bridie.
The attendance included the director of the Gate Theatre, Mr Michael Colgan, the director general of RT╔, Mr Bob Collins, playwright Brian Friel and actor Tom Hickey.