A FRAMED black and white picture of Sylvia Shields and two fading colour snaps rested poignantly on her coffin in the chapel of St Brendan's Hospital.
Beside it was the coffin of her companion Mary Callinan, also murdered during a frenzied knife attack on them in their home, just yards from the gates of the psychiatric hospital where they were outpatients. Mary Callinan's coffin bore a white rose and a plaque bearing her name.
Tape cordoning off the terraced house which they shared with a third woman served as a sombre reminder of the murders committed there last week.
More than 300 people followed the coffins from the mortuary to the chapel of rest. The brother of Ms Shields, and his wife, led the cortege. Doctors, nursing staff and patients followed.
Father Piaras O Duill, the hospital chaplain, offered his deepest sympathy to the families.
Ms Shields (57) of Ballybrack, Killiney, is survived by her sister, brother, and nieces and nephews. Ms Callinan (61) was born in Allingham Street. The funeral Mass takes place this morning.