The family and friends of Mr Kevin McCourt, a former director-general of RTE, gathered in the Sacred Heart Church in Donnybrook, Dublin, yesterday to say their final farewell to the well-known businessman, who died on Saturday, aged 85.
Father Michael O'Carroll, from Blackrock College, where Mr McCourt was educated, delivered the homily. He described him as a man of total integrity who had risen to the top of his profession while always retaining a strong faith. "He was a perfect gentleman and intrinsically modest", said Father O'Carroll, who knew Mr McCourt for over 30 years.
In 1963 Mr McCourt became the second director-general of RTE and remained in the post for five years. He initially rose to prominence in 1944 when he became secretary of the Federation of Irish Manufacturing, the precursor to the CII.
After leaving RTE Mr McCourt became chief executive of United Distillers of Ireland, which later became Irish Distillers Group. He held a number of other positions during his career, including the chairmanship of Irish Steel, before his retirement in 1986.
Mr Declan McCourt yesterday spoke of his father as a "remarkable and affectionate" man who had introduced his children to travel, art and music. "He was never constrained by the boundaries of his environment and he encouraged us to do the same."
Mr McCourt thanked the staff of the Mater Private Hospital, who had cared for his father over recent weeks. Mr McCourt died in the hospital last Saturday.
A tribute was also paid to Mr McCourt by Mr Howard Kilroy, who described him as "a father figure and a role model". He drew laughter from the congregation when he spoke of Mr McCourt's "trademark red socks".
Mr Kilroy said that Mr McCourt had succeeded in making an impact in many walks of life, but he had never forgotten his roots in Tralee, Co Kerry.
According to Mr Kilroy, politicians had found Mr McCourt "no push-over" during his time at RTE. "He was, in the truest sense, an honourable man."
The funeral Mass was celebrated by Father Aidan Lehane and featured soloist Bernadette Greevy, accompanied by organist Prof Gerard Gillen.
Leading figures from RTE attended, including the station's director-general, Mr Bob Collins, its director of corporate affairs, Mr Tom Quinn, and the broadcaster Mr Gay Byrne. Others present were the Minister of State for Justice, Mr Eoin Ryan, the former leader of the Progressive Democrats, Mr Des O'Malley, and Capt Rossa O'Donnell, representing the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern.
Mr McCourt is survived by his wife Peggy, son Declan and daughters Pamela, Germaine and Deirdre.