Jackie Healy-Rae completes final journey through Kilgarvan

Former Independent TD Jackie Healy-Rae has completed his last journey through his native Kilgarvan, in Kerry.

His coffin was shouldered the mile-long route from St Patrick’s Church after Requiem Mass to the cemetery by family and friends and his remains laid to rest.

Rain gave way to a dry if overcast day and a limp sun shone on the nearby Mangerton mountain, in the shadow of which he grew up.

There was a stop outside the family pub and the procession was joined by his pet pony, Peg, who was led to the cemetery in front of the remaining part of the journey. The coffin was draped in the Tricolour and the flag of the local GAA club whose members provided a guard of honour.

Earlier at the Mass, his sons Michael, who succeeded him in the Dáil, and Danny, a county councillor, broke down as they paid tribute to their 83-year-old father who died last Friday after a long illness.

Both received a standing ovation from the attendance in the church, which was filled to overflowing, as they delivered orations laced with flashes of humour.

“Our one wish here today is that he will always be remembered for helping other people,’’ said Michael.

“His main ambition in life was to help as many people as he could at all times and he did that without fail.’’

Michael said that while some elements of the national media liked to ridicule him, and other family members, they quite simply forgot the most important message of all. To be a national politician, you had to be elected locally and, to be elected locally, you had to know what you were doing, he added.

Michael said the family was deeply humbled by the massive show of support and kindness in recent days and during his illness.

“Right up to the end, he struggled to live; he did not give in, he never gave up,’’ he added. “And it took an awful amount of time before his mighty heart finally gave out.’’

He said his father had asked him to deliver a final message to the plain people of Ireland he loved so much.

“He asked me to say ‘thanks a thousand million for everything and don’t worry I will be keeping a close eye on all of ye from above’,’’ said Michael.

“He may be silent now but his memory and his work will live on forever.’’

The gifts brought to the altar by family members included Mr Healy-Rae’s trademark cap, mobile phone, a replica of a digger, representing his business life, a sod of turf, an accordion and hurley.

The chief mourners were his partner Kathleen, wife Julie, from whom he was separated, sons Michael, Danny, John and Denis, and daughters Rosemary and Joan.

A large crowd gathered for the funeral Mass, with Bertie Ahern and Brian Cowen among the attendees.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheal Martin, former minister Gerry Collins, Senator Denis O’Donovan, Independent TD Shane Ross, Labour TD Michael McCarthy, Fianna Fáil Senator Ned O’Sullivan and former Kerry footballer, Mick O’Connell were also in attendance.

Musician Johnny Carroll, who made a record with the late Mr Healy-Rae, and appeared on RTÉ’s Late Late Show, also attended.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny was represented by Comdt Kieran Carey and President Michael D Higgins by Lieut Commander Patricia Butler.