HUNDREDS of people from the world of radio, television and the theatre crowded into the Church of St Mary's, Haddington Road, Dublin, yesterday evening for the removal of the remains of Mr Charles Mitchel, RTE's first newsreader.
The mourners were led by Mr Mitchel's wife, Betty, his daughter, Susan, and son, Nicholas.
Among those present were former news reading colleagues of Mr Mitchel - Mr Don Cockburn, Mr Maurice O'Doherty, Mr David Timlin, and Mr Colm Connolly who is now RTE's Arts and Media correspondent. Also present was Mr Kevin McDonald, who was on duty as a reporter during Telefis Eireann's first news bulletin read by Mr Mitchel on January 1st, 1961.
RTE's Director of News, Mr Joe Mulholland, was present along with the former Head of News Mr Wesley Boyd, who is now Head of Broadcasting Developments.
Former RTE colleagues included Mr Mike Burns and a former political correspondent, Mr Joe Fahy.
Also present were RTE's Executive Editor - Planning and Development, Mr Dermot Mullane, RTE's Head of Religious Programmes, Fr Dermod McCarthy; and the station's former News Editor Mr Barney Kavanagh.
Other mourners included the Film Censor, Mr Seamus Smith; the current chairwoman of the Irish Film Board and former RTE producer, Ms Lelia Doolin; the actors Mr Milo O'Shea and Mr Aidan Grennell; and the theatre writer and critic Ms Caroline Swift.
Mr Mitchel's local TD in Dundrum where he lived, Mr Tom Kitt, attended as did the Leader of the Senate, Mr Maurice Manning.
Father Bernard Brady, the Parish Priest of St Mary's, said the turnout was an expression of the high esteem in which Charles Mitchel was held. "We appreciate his greatness and his value amongst people and in the eyes of God," he said.
The funeral will be held this morning after 11.30 a.m. Mass. Burial will take place at Glasnevin Cemetery.
Meanwhile, RTE has announced a special programme entitled "In Performance", a tribute to Charles Mitchel, which will be broadcast this evening at 7.30 p.m.