Haughey dies at home surrounded by family

CHARLES Haughey died at his Kinsealy home, with his wife and four children at his bedside just before 10am yesterday morning.

He had been battling prostate cancer for 11 years before his condition deteriorated rapidly over the past few days.

The Haughey family gathered for the final vigil on Monday after being informed by doctors that his life was entering its final hours.

His daughter Eimear had been at Abbeyville since the weekend to support her mother as the end drew close.

Her brothers, Sean, Ciaran and Conor, along with Mr Haughey’s grandchildren, also joined them.

Nurses from St Fintan’s Hospice in Raheny were on hand to offer the ailing 80-year-old round-the-clock care.

Mr Haughey had returned home to die after a short spell in the Mater private hospital last week.

He was still receiving visitors until last Thursday, when his condition began to deteriorate dramatically.

Mr Haughey was heavily medicated during his final days as the family gathered to say their goodbyes. He had been close to death at the end of March when admitted to the Mater private hospital for treatment.

He rallied on that occasion, but it was apparent to his family the end would not be far off and final preparations for his State funeral were discussed.

Mr Haughey was diagnosed with cancer in September 1995 and his condition worsened to include secondary tumours and a heart condition.

In October 2000 the Moriarty Tribunal agreed to his request not to return to the witness stand.

The following March he received emergency heart treatment at Beaumont Hospital where doctors used a defibrillator to force his heart to beat normally after it stopped twice.

Cancer later spread to his liver.