Senior political and farming figures attended the funeral yesterday in Co Tipperary of Mr Rickard Deasy (83), former president of the National Farmers' Association, who died on Tuesday. The concelebrated Mass at Terryglass Church was led by Abbot Christopher Dillon of Glenstal Abbey, who said Mr Deasy "was a good and brave man, devoted to his family to his country; tender and even shy in private life, but a champion in defence of public good".
The chief mourners were Mr Deasy's widow, Sheila, his daughter, Lucila, and his sons, Rickard, Robin and Ruaidhri, who spoke at the funeral on behalf of the family.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, was represented by his aide-decamp, Capt Michael Kiernan. The Minister for Agriculture and Food, Mr Walsh, also attended, as did the Fine Gael leader, Mr John Bruton, and the Labour leader, Mr Ruairi Quinn.
A Fine Gael TD, Mr Alan Dukes, was also present.
The president of the Irish Farmers' Association, Mr Tom Parlin, attended and a former president of the organisation, Mr T.J. Maher, gave a graveside oration. Mr Joe Rea and Mr Paddy Lane, both former IFA presidents, were also present. The Bishop of Killaloe, the Most Rev Willie Walsh, was represented by Father Seamus Gardiner. The Church of Ireland was represented by the Rev Janet White Spooner of Shinroe, Co Offaly.