John Major to attend funeral Mass for Albert Reynolds

Former British prime minister Sir John Major is expected at the requiem Mass of former taoiseach Albert Reynolds at noon today along with President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

The burial is to take place at Shanganagh Cemetery, Shankill between 2pm and 2.30pm after 12pm Mass at the Sacred Heart Church in Donnybrook, Dublin.

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin will deliver a final commendation at the end of the requiem Mass to be celebrated by Fr Brian D’Arcy.

Five of Mr Reynolds’s seven children – Miriam, Emer, Leonie, Albert jnr and Cathy – will read prayers of the faithful. His daughter Andrea will deliver a reflection after Communion, while his son Philip will deliver the eulogy.

Mr Reynolds’s grandson Robert Reynolds and granddaughter Kaitlin Reynolds will deliver the readings. The late taoiseach’s sister Teresa and brother Jim will attend the ceremony.

Eimear Quinn will sing the responsorial psalm and soloist John McKeown the Gospel acclamation. Red Hurley, Paddy Cole and Eamon Monaghan will also perform.

Council of State members expected include former taoisigh Liam Cosgrave, John Bruton, Bertie Ahern and Brian Cowen, along with Chief Justice Mrs Susan Denham, and former supreme court judge Catherine McGuinness.

RTÉ will provide live coverage of the State funeral.