The last of the chieftains is spirited away

MIRRORING the shards of sunlight straining to break through the blue, red and purple stained glass windows of Our Lady of Consolation, benevolent reminiscences of Charles J Haughey’s fell like soft rays upon the assembled congregation in relentless waves.

As the haunting lament of the Lonesome Boatman rippled out across the church it was clear the last of the great Irish clan chieftains was being spirited away, but before he left us the State would try to do him one final service.

The purpose of all funerals is to speak well of the dead. And this was no exception. No shadows would be allowed to fall — no vent would be given to the darker failings of the man.