A private and even shy man despite his decades in public life

DR HILLERY was a private and even shy man despite the decades he spent in public life, mourners at his funeral mass heard.

The late president’s sense of fairness, kindness and hard work had been based on values he grew up with at home and developed through life, said his nephew, Fr Des Hillery.

Delivering the homily at the Pro-Cathedral, he said Dr Hillery was a person “guided by faith”, who counted among his favourite pieces of scripture the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus.

“The two disciples were listened to by the Risen Christ, had the scriptures explained to them and ultimately shared his presence in the breaking of bread,” said Fr Hillery.

“The two disciples were not lectured to, they were not told what to do; rather they were led by guidance and example. Patrick Hillery reflected this in his manner of leadership.”

On that theme, Fr Hillery recalled a particular quotation from his uncle, who was a keen golfer.

“Overzealous people are the biggest menace in this world. They are always doing things quickly that they shouldn’t do. Try to develop a nice slow back swing. You don’t rush up to miss the ball; walk up and hit it properly,” he had said.

Fr Hillery said the late president has used skills learned in his medical training — the skills of listening, examining and diagnosing — and applied them to his career in public service.

Chief mourners at the requiem mass, which began at midday, were the late president’s widow, Maeve, the couple’s son, Dr John Hillery, his wife Carolyn, and their children Sarah Jane, Patrick, Michael and David.

The mass was attended by President Mary McAleese and her husband, Dr Martin McAleese; Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Tánaiste Brian Cowen and the cabinet.

Also in attendance were former taoisigh Dr Garret FitzGerald and Albert Reynolds, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, Labour leader Eamon Gilmore, and other members of the Oireachtas. Sinn Féin chief negotiator Martin McGuinness, SDLP deputy leader Alasdair McDonnell and former SDLP leader and Nobel laureate John Hume attended, as did EU commissioner Charlie McCreevy. Members of the judiciary and diplomatic corps were also present.

They were among the 1,300 mourners who filled the cathedral, with thousands more lining the streets outside.

The mass was led by Fr Aidan Lehane, a close friend of the family, and Fr Hillery. Cardinal Seán Brady and Archbishop Diarmuid Martin assisted, with representatives of other Christian churches also in attendance.

A number of symbols representing the public and private life of Dr Hillery were carried to the altar before the beginning of the mass.

They included a stethoscope to represent his medical career, keys of schools that he opened in the country, a medal marking Ireland’s accession to the European community, the mobile phone with which spoke to his grandchildren, and a sailing cap, painting and putter, symbolising his hobbies.

Dr Hillery’s grandchildren each read a prayer for the faithful, and before the prayers of final commendation, Archbishop Martin paid tribute to the former president, describing him as a pioneer of modern Ireland and “a man of wisdom and human warmth, a man of integrity and a believing Christian”.

Liturgical music was led by the Palestrina Choir.