Patriot dead honoured

PRESIDENT Mary McAleese laid a wreath in honour of Irishmen and women who died in wars or on duty with the United Nations yesterday.

The Taoiseach and former President Mary Robinson also attended the National Day of Commemoration ceremony at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin.

In brilliant sunshine, Mr Ahern said it was fitting that those who died were remembered on the day.

Relatives of the 1916 leaders; Northern Ireland representatives; families of those who died on UN service, and ex-servicemen’s organisations were present.

Representatives of five religions in the country led a multi-faith prayer service.

Catholic Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin Reverend Raymond Field; Presbyterian Church Rev Alan Martin; Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin Dr John R W Neill; Dublin Methodist Synod district secretary Donaldson R Rodgers, and Chief Rabbi of Ireland Dr Yaakov Pearlman read prayers, hymns and readings.

Government ministers Brian Cowen; Noel Dempsey; Dermot Ahern; Séamus Brennan and Michael Smith were also present, along with junior ministers Mary Hanafin; Brian Lenihan; Noel Ahern, and Ivor Callely.