The former Taoiseach, Mr Charles Haughey, made a surprise visit to Kerry yesterday to attend the funeral of the late Fianna Fail minister of state, Mr Tom McEllistrim. Mr Haughey (74) returned to Dublin early on Saturday from New York, where it is reported he underwent a series of medical tests last week.
Mr McEllistrim, who died on Friday aged 68, was appointed a minister of state at the Department of Finance by Mr Haughey in 1979, and on losing his Dail seat in 1987 was appointed to the Seanad.
As Mr Haughey left the church in Ballymacelligott yesterday morning accompanied by the Kerry football manager, Mr Paidi O Se, well-wishers lined up to shake his hand.
Speaking after the Mass Mr Haughey paid tribute to his late colleague's loyalty. "I knew Tom and his father before him. For me he was a great friend and supporter. He was very straight, particularly at difficult times. He was an unswerving friend and supporter," he said.
Asked about his health, Mr Haughey laughed and said: "Na bac" (Don't bother).
As the rain fell outside, ministers vied with farmers for space in the pews of the small church. The President, Mrs McAleese, was represented by Capt Michael Treacy, while Capt Michael Kiernan represented the Taoiseach. Mr Ahern paid his respects the previous evening.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen; the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr O'Donoghue; and the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, were present.
The Archbishop of Cashel, Dr Dermot Clifford, a former neighbour of the McEllistrim family, was the chief concelebrant of the Requiem Mass. Father Michael O'Leary said: "Tom McEllistrim served God in the service of other people to the best of his ability."
At the graveside, Mr O'Donoghue paid tribute to the republican tradition of the McEllistrim family. Quoting from The Valley of Knockanure, the Minister said the ballad reflected the anguish, desperation and optimism of the Irish people seeking their own identity.
Referring to the War of Independence, he said: "Periods like that in any nation require men with courage, principle, vision and steel. Against the tide of popular opinion they succeeded and among those men was a soldier from Ballymacelligott, Tom MacEllistrim's father."
His father "went on to represent North Kerry in Dail Eireann from 1923 to 1969, 46 successive years. It was in that republican family of clarity, vision and understanding that Tom was reared."
Mr O'Donoghue recalled that Mr McEllistrim was defeated by four votes in the 1992 general election.
Mr McEllistrim is survived by his wife, Marie; son, Thomas; daughter, Anne; brother, Padraig; and sisters, Mary, Sister Nuala and Carmel.