Ahern’s farewell to old pal

FORMER Taoiseach Bertie Ahern looks on as the coffin of his one-time advisor Paddy Duffy arrives for Requiem Mass yesterday.

The pair were travelling back from Papua New Guinea when the 75-year-old collapsed and died in Heathrow Airport last week.

Hundreds of mourners joined Mr Duffy’s widow Margaret, son Gavin, and daughters Caragh and Caitriona, at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church, Dublin Airport, for the 11am service.

Among those to pay their respects were former Irish Olympic chief Pat Hickey and tycoon Denis O’brien.

Following the funeral Mass Mr Duffy was laid to rest at nearby Dardistown Cemetery.