The removal took place yesterday evening of Mr John Meagher (62), former chief executive and deputy chairman of Independent Newspapers, who died on Thursday. His remains were taken to the Church of St Theresa in Mount Merrion, Co Dublin, where they were received by Father Tom Stack.
Mr Meagher was also the founder and chairman of Irish Marketing Surveys.
Among the mourners were his widow, Mrs Judith Meagher, and children Rachel, Elizabeth and David; as well as his partner, Ms Marianne Giumonde. A packed church of several hundred mourners included many friends and colleagues from Independent News and Media as well as the business community, and the legal profession.
They included Dr A.J.F. O'Reilly, chairman of Independent News and Media, and his wife, Mrs Chryss O'Reilly; Mr Liam Healy, deputy chairman of INM; Mr Gavin O'Reilly, chief executive of Independent Newspapers (Ireland), and his wife, Mrs Alison O'Reilly; Mr Tony Ryan, founder of Ryanair; architect Mr Sam Stephenson; Mr Jim Milton, of Murray Associates public relations; Mr Joe Mulholland, former RTE managing director (television); Mr Jack Jones, chairman of Irish Marketing Surveys; Mr Seamus Brennan, Government chief whip; and former Supreme Court judge Mr Hugh O'Flaherty. The editor of The Irish Times, Mr Conor Brady, was represented at the removal by Mr Peter Murtagh.
The President, Mrs McAleese, was represented by her ADC, Capt Ger O'Grady. The United States ambassador, Mr Mike Sullivan, and his British counterpart, Sir Ivor Roberts, were also present.
In a brief eulogy, Dr O'Reilly praised Mr Meagher for his wit, business acumen, bonhomie, and for their friendship which spanned some 40 years.
The funeral Mass will take place today at 11 a.m., followed by a private cremation.