The former Supreme Court judge, Mr Justice Seamus Egan, was described yesterday at the removal of his remains as a giant, not just at his work but among his family, and as a man of humility with a powerful social conscience.
Father Declan Gallagher received the remains at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook, Dublin, after members of Mr Justice Egan's family had walked behind the hearse from his home.
In the crowded church, Father Gallagher said Mr Justice Egan had entered the church countless times during the years he had lived in Donnybrook. He went there week after week praising God in good times and in sad times.
"He was a giant, not just at his work, but a giant among his family who looked up to him," he said.
One word came to him when he thought of Mr Justice Egan and that was humility. He was humble and very respectful, he said.
"Seamus had gentleness, kindness and patience. He also had a powerful social conscience that reached out to many professionally and in many different ways," Father Gallagher said.
What Mr Justice Egan did he did out of love. In his full life, in his love and his care, he was surely the salt of the earth. He was fastidious, with a pride in his profession and in everything else he did, Father Gallagher said.
The chief mourners were his wife, Ada, and children, Frances, Brian, Sandra, Rory, Adrienne, Karen and Suzanne, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law and his nine grandchildren.
The President, Mrs McAleese was represented by Col Traolach Young, ADC.
The attendance included the Chief Justice, Mr Justice Ronan Keane, and the Attorney General, Mr Rory Brady SC. Also among the mourners was Mr Justice Frederick Morris and Mr Justice Declan Costello and retired members of the Supreme Court.
The funeral will take place today after 11 a.m. Mass to Dean's Grange Cemetery. Many courts will not be sitting this morning as a mark of respect.