A LARGE number of academics, former students, writers, relatives and friends attended the funeral of Prof Tomas de Bhaldraithe in Dublin on Saturday.
One of the concelebrants at the funeral Mass, an tAthair Michel Mac Craith, recalled Prof de Bhaldraithe as a scholar with an impressive academic record, but also as a warm hearted man with a twinkle in his eye.
He would be remembered for his humanity and warmth as well as for his academic achievements.
The mourners were led by Prof de Bhaldraithe's wife, Vivienne, their daughters Cliona, Eadaoin and Maoiliosa, and their six sons, Poraig, Tomas, Ciara, Cillin, Colm and Barra, together with Comdt Hugo Bonar, President Robinson's aide de camp, and Capt Muiris Mac Uilin, aide de camp of the Taoiseach.
The large attendance from the academic world included the president of University College Dublin, Dr Art Cosgrove and the Chancellor of the National University of Ireland, Dr T.K. Whitaker, as well as the professor of classical Irish at UCD, Prof Padraig Breatnach; the professor of modern Irish at TCD, Prof Cathal O Hainle; the professor of modern Irish at UCG, Prof Breandan O Madagain; the professor of modern Irish at Maynooth, Prof Ruairi O hUiginn and an associate professor of history at UCC, Prof Donnchadh O Corrin.
The secretary of the Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, Mr Tadhg O hEalaithe, and Mr Colm O Briain, representing the Minister, Mr Higgins, also attended, as did the former Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Donall Caird.
A number of figures from literary and artistic circles were present, including the Nobel Laureate, Seamus Heaney; the actor, Peadar Lamb; the poets, Micheal Davitt and Micheal O Siadhail; and the film makers, Bob Quinn and Eamonn de Buitleir.
The chairman of Bord na Gaeilge, Mr Micheal O Muircheartaigh, and the board's chief executive, Mr Micheal O Gruagain, attended, as did Ms Ursula Ni Dhalaigh, Bord na Leabhar Gaeilge; and the secretary of An Coimisitin Logainmneacha, Mr Art O Maolfabhail.
A number of friends and acquaintances from the Cois Fharraige area of Co Galway, where Prof de Bhaldraithe was a frequent visitor, also attended.
Politicians present included the former Tanaiste and Minister for the Gaeltacht, Mr John Wilson and Mr Niall Andrews MEP.
Other mourners included the head of Teilifis na Gaeilge, Mr Cathal Gan; the assistant director of RTE, Mr Bob Collins; and the head of Irish language television programmes in RTE, Ms Neasa Ni Chinneide.
The general secretary of the European Bureau for Lesser Used Languages, Mr Donall O Riagain, was also in attendance, as was the president of Comhdhal Naisiunta na Gaeilge, Ms Helen O Murchu; the president of Conradh na Gaeilge, Mr Gearoid O Caireallain; the managing director of Anois, Dr Donall O Morain and the secretary of Comharchumann Rath Cairn, Mr Padraig Mac Donncha.
The Irish Times was represented by Mr Uinsionn Mac Dubhghaill, Irish Language Editor.