Mourners at Buckley funeral told that she would have forgiven bus driver

Mourners at the funeral of Máire Buckley, the woman who was killed when a bus crashed into her car on the Naas Road, Dublin, last Sunday, were told yesterday that she would have forgiven the driver.

Martin Buckley, brother of the dead woman, said that his sister would have extended the hand of forgiveness and reconciliation to bus driver Peter Clarke. He asked the congregation to pray for Mr Clarke and his family "that he may find peace, healing and reconciliation in his own life".

Up to 1,000 people attended the service at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Seán McDermott Street, Dublin to pay their respects to Ms Buckley (62), from Donnycarney, who worked as a community liaison teacher in the north inner city before retiring last year.

Pupils from the Central Model School, Marlborough Street and Rutland National School, Rutland Street sang and offered prayers at the service, which was attended by Comdt Michael Murray, aide-de-camp to the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, local politicians, Auxiliary Bishop Fiachra O'Ceallaigh and eight priests, who knew Ms Buckley through her work.

Parish chaplain Fr Joe Lucey, who officiated with Fr Michael Casey, said that her family and the community were gutted by her death but should thank God for the blessing she had been in their lives.

Ms Buckley was described as creative, a great communicator and a hospitable and fun-loving person who saw the best in people. Readings and prayers were said by members of her family.

At the rear of the church a photograph of Ms Buckley was surrounded by tributes from children and adults thanking her for her help and friendship.

One tribute, in the hand of a small boy, said: "You helped me show how good I was when no one else believed me. I'm better in school and happier now." Another note, from a woman, said that she was a better mother to her children and a happier person because of Ms Buckley. "I would like to ask everyone to do one good turn in honour of a great woman," her note said.