THE President, Mrs Robinson, was represented by her aide-de-camp, Capt Pauline O'Connell, at a requiem Mass yesterday for Dr Paddy Moriarty at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook, Dublin.
The hundreds of people who attended represented a wide cross-section of Irish society. They joined his widow, Esther, and their five children, Emer, Maeve, Patricia, John and Dermot and their families; Dr Moriarty's brothers and sisters and many people who had travelled from his native Kerry.
The chief celebrant of the Mass, Father Tom Hickey, of Ballyferriter, Dingle, Co Kerry, who knew Dr Moriarty since childhood, spoke about how the former chairman and chief executive of the ESB never lost the common touch.
"He was as much at ease playing bridge in Dublin 4 as playing a hand of 41 down in Dingle," Father Hickey said. He spoke of his deep involvement in the life of Ireland, its industrial, commercial, cultural and artistic life, and how he could enjoy all aspects of living.
The first reading was given by Mr William McCann, chairman of the ESB. Mr Phil Flynn gave the second reading on behalf of the trade union movement.
The prayers of the faithful were led by Mr John Mulhern, representing the racing world, Mr Willie Cremins, representing the ESB trade unions, and Ms Brid Tunney, representing the ESB.
Prayers were also read by Ms Lis Ni Dhalaigh, who represented Fonduireacht an Bhlascaoid. Mr Eamon O hArgan represented the Kerry Association, Dr David Sheahan represented Grange Golf Club, Mr Bob Collins, director-general of RTE, reflecting Dr Moriarty's involvement with RTE. Prayers were also read by Mr Kevin Heffernan, representing Dr Moriarty's sporting interests, especially Gaelic games.
During Communion Sean Garvey sang the Kerry song The Boys of Bar na Shraide and the music was led by Aine Ni Loiathe, Eileen Ni Chearnaigh, Seamus Begley and Steve Cooney.
The poet Prof Brendan Kennelly read a piece entitled The Attribute of Permanence, a vivid and moving description of childhood in a Kerry landscape. The master of ceremonies was Mr Ciaran MacGonigal.
The attendance included the Tanaiste, Ms Harney; the Minister for Public Enterprise, Ms O'Rourke; the Minister of Slate to the Government, Mr Robert Molloy; the former president, Dr Patrick Hillery, and former Taoisigh Mr Charles Haughey and Mr Albert Reynolds TD.
Other TDs who attended included Mr Ruairi Quinn and Mr Ivan Yates. Also present were former Fianna Fail minister, Mr Jim Tunney; former EU Commissioner, Mr Richard Burke; Mr Michael Mills, former Ombudsman; and Mr Ciaran Mac Mathuna of RTE.
GAA figures present were led by Mr Jack Boothman, former president of the GAA, and included former players Jack O'Shea, Sean Purcell, Gerry O'Malley, Paddy O'Hara and Nicholas English.
Following cremation at Glasnevin, a funeral Mass will be held tomorrow at noon at St Mary's Church, Dingle.