LIAM COSGRAVE 1920-2017: FOR ‘HE LEFT IRELAND A BETTER PLACE...’
»Statesman ‘a man of integrity & true patriot’ »10 military policemen carry coffin to the church
From top, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, John Bruton, Mary Harney, and former Taoisigh Bertie Ahern & Enda Kenny Former Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave Leo Varadkar, former Taoisigh Bertie Ahern and Brian Cowen, as well as Fianna Fail leader Michael Martin. In accordance with the wishes of the Cosgrave family, it was not a State funeral. Monsignor John Wilson told mourners that in his public life, the late statesman was a figure of great integrity and a true patriot.
He said: “Liam left our country a better place as a result of his life and his life’s work.”
Ten military policemen carried the coffin into the church as friends, family and members of the public got to their feet and looked on. The congregation heard how Mr Cosgrave’s wife Vera died a year earlier and her service had taken place in the same church.
Members of the public gathered outside to hear the Mass, which was broadcast over loudspeakers.
Surrounding roads were closed to help accommodate the large funeral cortege.
Mr Cosgrave’s son Liam Jnr told the packed congregation how his father loved his family and in particular his grandchildren.
He also thanked those who had helped him in the last few months of his life.
Mr Cosgrave said: “Dad was not the biggest fan of eulogies so I am
Affection, kindness, love and loyalty, dad gave his family all of these in abundance
LIAM COSGRAVE JNR PICTURED LEFT