Locals recall famous parishioner

The workmen were busy at Our Lady of Consolation church in Donnycarney yesterday, painting the white railings in preparation …

The workmen were busy at Our Lady of Consolation church in Donnycarney yesterday, painting the white railings in preparation for the funeral of one of its most famous parishioners.

Crash barriers were erected around the church and a garda stood at the entrance watching the trickle of people filing in to sign the book of condolence.

"I feel very sad, I do," said Mary Pigott who signed the book with her mother, Mary McCurdy. "I liked him."

Like many older people, her mother was particularly grateful for one thing. "He gave us the bus pass. He looked after the old age pensioner," she said. "I did like him. I didn't meet him personally but it's a sad day all the same."

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Some people personalised their entries in the book of condolence. "Thank you for all you did for childcare," said one tribute. "A man of history and culture," wrote another.

But passer-by Alfie Tobin said he had no interest in politics or in Mr Haughey. "He was an interesting character, I have to say. He done some things but that's Charlie for you. He was a charmer as well, but it doesn't mean anything to me."

Mr Haughey was well liked in Donnycarney, according to parishioner Ann Finnegan. "I don't think there was a football club or a hurling club that wanted gear," she said. "If they wanted it, Charlie got it. He always gave the greenery for the crib at Christmas."

Her friend Sarah Byrne remembered a "wonderful" man. "He was the best. It all started with his mother. She did everything in the church and you wouldn't believe the amount of children that she kitted out for Communion and Confirmation."

Outside the church, John Gulu was selling the Evening Herald, with the front page headline: "Haughey Dead." He had never heard of the politician, having arrived from Zimbabwe two years ago.

Nor was Mr Haughey's death weighing heavily on the minds of local teenagers Stephen Coleman and Denis McMahon. "Was he the president or what?" asked Stephen before adding, "I'm only joking. I know who he is."

Denis said he would probably watch the World Cup instead of going to the funeral. "I'll probably just laugh at the people going by, but I'll give Bertie a wave if I see him because he's cool," he said. "Yeah, Bertie's cool."

Having a State funeral in a parish church instead of a cathedral is a rare event, according to Fr Peter Finnerty, parish priest at Donnycarney.

He was battling with the logistics of the operation yesterday afternoon. "But I've noticed that the affairs of State just seem to click in. We've had the Army, the guards, the Department of the Taoiseach. Within 30 minutes they all seemed to be here."

Fr Finnerty said the church would hold up to 2,000 people and the community centre next door would have a TV screen to facilitate others.

He said there was "a great sense of pride" locally in Mr Haughey's achievements.