Acclaimed playwright John B Keane was laid to rest in his native Listowel this morning, after losing his battle with illness on Thursday. He was 73.
Mr Keane was to be laid to rest at Listowel Old Cemetery after an 11 a.m. funeral service; his remains were removed to his parish church in Listowel, Co Kerry yesterday evening.
The President Mrs Mary McAleese, who attended the funeral, said yesterday Mr Keane’s genius was his ability to "observe and reflect so accurately the wonders of life around him".
Mrs McAleese also said the dramatist’s work, which includes the Broadway hit play Big Maggie and The Field, made famous in the 1990 film version, demonstrated a deep love for his homeland and a distinct talent for providing accurate insight into human strengths and frailities.
"Whether on the amateur drama stages of Ireland or in the major theatres of Broadway, John B's work has a universal appeal that will endure him for many, many years to come," she said.
Mr Keane, who died on Thursday at his Listowel home aged 73, had battled prostate cancer since 1994, but his condition had deteriorated significantly recently.
The Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern, said the playwright was "an immense talent" who "loved life, language, literature and learning".
"He was a colossus of the Irish theatre whose writing has provided a wealth of material for those who wish to learn about Irish life, or simply have a love of Irish literature," he said.
"When I called to visit John in Listowel last November, I was struck by the fact that, even in the face of his life-threatening illness, he was in great humour and still exhibited his love of conversation and politics which is so evident in his writing," the Taoiseach added.
Cork comedian and actor Mr Niall Toibin, a lifelong friend of Mr Keane, described him as "a giant of a man" and said the writer’s legacy would further enhance his worldwide reputation.