Paraic Haughey's sporting prowess hailed

The former Taoiseach, Mr Charles Haughey, was among the mourners yesterday at the funeral of his brother Mr Paraic "Jock" Haughey, who died last week aged 71.

The chief celebrant at the requiem Mass was their brother, Father Eoghan Haughey.

Hundreds attended the Mass in the Church of Our Lady of Consolation, Donnycarney, where numerous tributes were paid to the sporting achievements of Mr Paraic Haughey, an All-Ireland medallist with the Dublin football team in 1958.

The coffin was carried by members of his former GAA club, St Vincent's. He was buried in Glasnevin Cemetery.

The chief mourners were his wife Catherine, daughter Caoimhe, son Conall, along with his brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces.

Mr Charles Haughey was accompanied by his wife, Maureen; and their sons, Mr Ciarán Haughey and Mr Conor Haughey, were also present.

The Taoiseach, who was in Downing Street yesterday, was represented by his aide-de-camp, Comdt Michael Murray; while the former SDLP leader, Mr John Hume, was present.

Fianna Fáil representatives included TDs, Mr Martin Brady, Mr Ned O'Keeffe, the party's organiser Mr Seán Sherwin, former minister Mr Michael O'Kennedy, and former government press secretary, Mr P.J. Mara. At the Mass a former team-mate, Mr Jim Crowley, described the late Mr Haughey as "one of the best sportsmen" he ever met.

Despite receiving a serious knee injury while playing for St Vincent's in 1956, Mr Haughey displayed immense courage to return to football and go on to win an All-Ireland with the Dublin team.

Ms Caoimhe Haughey paid tribute to the love and devotion of her mother for her father, particularly during the last six months as he lay ill in Beaumont Hospital.

Mr Paraic Haughey was at the centre of a Supreme Court case more than 30 years ago, which set out the basic rights of people appearing before tribunals of inquiry

Following the 1970 Arms Trial, a Dáil public accounts committee was convened.

Mr Haughey was named in evidence to the committee, where it was alleged he had been involved in dealing with the IRA, which he denied.

When called before the committee, he refused to answer questions and was sentenced by the High Court to six months imprisonment for contempt.

However, in the Supreme Court he challenged the constitutionality of the Act under which the committee was given privilege.

A stay was put on the sentence and in 1971 he won his appeal on the grounds that the legislation was unconstitutional.