Security tight at removal of Rhys Meyers’s mother

TIGHT security surrounded the removal of the mother of Irish actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers in Cork last night.

Geraldine “Geri” Meyers-O’Keeffe, who died unexpectedly at the city’s Mercy University Hospital on Tuesday after a short illness, was removed from Barry’s Funeral Home yards from her house in Hazelwood in the outskirts of Cork city.

The 50-year-old’s actor son, his father Johnny, girlfriend Reena Hammer and his three brothers were brought to the home in a large people-carrier and a limousine.

They were shielded from waiting photographers by a team of security guards holding black umbrellas as they entered the building.

For the next 15 minutes they greeted mourners, among them local TDs.

Then the umbrellas were re-opened as the coffin was placed in a hearse.

It was driven to the nearby Church of St Joseph’s where for the third time the umbrellas went up to allow the actor, wearing a black suit, white shirt and black tie, to join his brothers and father in carrying the remains the into the church.

During the brief ceremony, the Golden Globe-winning star kissed a crucifix and placed it on his mother’s coffin.

Ms Meyers-O’Keeffe’s funeral Mass will take place tomorrow at 11am.

A host of celebrities including fellow Irish actors Colin Farrell and Cillian Murphy, model Kate Moss and former girlfriend Glenda Gilson are expected to attend.