Hundreds of mourners tonight paid their respects to former president Dr Patrick Hillery whose remains were removed to Dublin’s Pro-Cathedral for tomorrow’s state funeral.
The service, which was attended by politicians, dignitaries, family, friends and members of the public, was led by the Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin Reverend Fiachra O’Ceallaigh and concelebrated by Dr Hillery’s nephew, Fr Des Hillery.
The Pro Cathedral was filled to capacity while hundreds of mourners listened to the service on loudspeakers outside.
Following the service members of the public, many of whom had queued outside the cathedral for hours, were allowed to pay their respects and file past the coffin.A book of condolence was also available for people to sign.
Dr Patrick Hillery
President McAleese, her husband Dr Martin McAleese, and the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will read at his funeral Mass, which is due to take place at noon tomorrow.
At the end of the funeral service, the funeral cortege will form outside the Pro Cathedral and, escorted by a marching military company and band, will proceed via Beresford Place, where the band and marching military escort will fall out and be replaced by a military motorcycle escort of honour.
The cortege will continue to St Fintan’s Cemetery, Sutton.
Tánaiste Brian Cowen will deliver the graveside oration at the request of Dr Hillery's widow Maeve and their son Dr John Hillery.
Flags on all Government buildings will be flown at half-mast until after the funeral.
Dr Hillery died on Saturday at the age of 84. Books of condolence have been opened at the Pro Cathedral, Mansion House Dublin, Ennis Library, Paddy Hillery Library, Miltown Malbay and the County Council headquarters in Ennis.
Political leaders this afternoon paid tribute to Dr Hillery in the Dáil.
In expressing sympathy of behalf of the Government, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said Dr Hillery, both as a private citizen and in his public role “gave outstanding and unrivalled service to the Irish State and to the Irish people.
"Patrick Hillery won fame, but he never lost his sense of modesty. He gained power, but he never lost his respect for others”, Mr Ahern said
"He set the highest of standards in the administration of public affairs. History will record the huge contribution Patrick Hillery made not just to the progress of Irish society but also to our democracy.
Now, his life is over and the State he served so long and so well will pay its final respects - Taoiseach Bertie Ahen
"He was young when this country was barely born. The ideal of what Ireland could become inspired all his life and work,” the Taoiseach said. “Now, his life is over and the State he served so long and so well will pay its final respects.”
Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny said the former president "was a Clare man and a proud member of Fianna Fáil. He was a man of the highest integrity, the utmost probity and a signal patriotism. He did not talk much about his patriotism - instead, he lived it.
"Hillery’s plain and flaming patriotism made him an exemplary man, politician and servant of Ireland and the Irish people."
"He lived his public life bound not by any political or party obligation but by moral and national obligation," the Fine Gael leader said, adding: "God bless you, and may the fairways in the sky be broad and open."
Labour leader Eamon Gilmore described the public career of Dr Hillery as being summed up by dignity, duty, commitment and honour.
He said the former president “had a remarkable achievement of public service over the previous 40 years and was one of the most important and influential figures in Irish public life over a period of four decades.”
Meanwhile, gardai said that a number of roads will be closed in Dublin tomorrow during the funeral of Dr Hillery.
Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 will closed to traffic from 10.30am to approximately 2.30pm. Butt Bridge will be closed to traffic from 1pm to approximately 2.30pm.
Gardai said motorists travelling along Pearse Street will be diverted from Tara Street onto Burgh Quay and along O'Connell Street.
Eden Quay will be closed to traffic from 1.30pm to 2.30pm and traffic will be diverted up O'Connell Street or southbound across O'Connell Bridge. Commuters have been advised to avoid these areas during these hours if at all possible.
Additional reporting: PA