Ex-taoiseach Bruton attends Dunsany memorial service

FORMER TAOISEACH John Bruton and his wife, Finola, were among those who attended a memorial service last night for Lord Dunsany, who died last month.

Lord Dunsany, who was born Edward Plunkett, painted the portrait of Mr Bruton that still hangs in Leinster House. He died on May 24th aged 71 after a long illness and was buried in the nearby abbey on the following Friday in a private service.

He was a well-known artist, sculptor and architect who lived a varied life in Brazil, the United States, Britain and Italy before returning to Ireland. Last night many of his friends and colleagues attended the Church of the Assumption in Dunsany for the memorial service which is near the family home in Dunsany Castle. Lord Dunsany’s stepson Daniel de Marsillac said his stepfather would have loved the beautiful summer’s evening and its light.

Parish priest Fr Terry Toner mentioned Lord Dunsany’s talent as an artist and sculptor and his love of art, tradition and nature.

The mourners were led by his wife, Lady Dunsany; sons Randal and Oliver; and his stepchildren Daniel and Joana de Marsillac. Among those at last night’s service were historian Thomas Pakenham, writer Charles Lysaght and Sir Jack Leslie.