The funeral of former Artane Boys' Band director, Joe Lynch, was attended by an estimated 700 mourners today at Our Lady of Consolation Parish Church in Donnycarney.
Mr Lynch, who until his death at age 65 last Thursday served as director of the Artane Senior Band, was described as a driving force behind musical learning in north Dublin during a career that spanned 53 years.
Tributes were paid to Mr Lynch yesterday by President Michael D Higgins, who sent a letter of condolence to Mr Lynch's widow, Dolores, and by Taoiseach Enda Kenny, who visited Ms Lynch last night personally.
During today's service, the Artane Senior Band provided the music as a tribute to the central role Mr Lynch had in the organisation.
"In many ways Joe was like a father figure to many of us," said Niall Phelan, a member of the band.
"Aside from the music he had an excellent ability to communicate with young people. He was a very dear friend to us apart from anything else," he said.
Mr Lynch's career with the Artane Boys' Band began in September 1956 and at the age of 14 he conducted the band for the first time at a concert in Kilrush, Co. Clare. Through hundreds of subsequent performances at Croke Park, he became a well known figure in GAA circles.
In the Irish music scene, he was also known as the owner of Joe Lynch Musical Instruments at McCullough Pigott music store on South William Street,
During his career Mr Lynch conducted the Artane Band playing with world-renowned artists such as Neil Diamond, James Last, Frank Patterson, Perry Como, and Bing Crosby.
Mr Lynch also performed for every serving taoiseach and president of Ireland during his long tenure with Artane as well as United States presidents John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, and Bill Clinton.
He is survived by his wife Dolores, daughters Shelly, Mandy, Trish, Aimee and his five grandchildren. His remains were removed this afternoon after the funeral mass to Glasnevin Cemetery for cremation.