President joins mourners at Martin funeral

THE President, Mary McAleese, and her husband, Dr Martin McAleese, were among the hundreds of mourners at the Mass of the Angels for little Léana Martin.

The couple embraced Micheál and Mary Martin, and hugged their children at the end of the moving ceremony.

Bishop of Cork and Ross, Dr John Buckley, joined seven priests on the altar for the Mass. Chief celebrant was Canon Jim O’Donovan, and Fr James McSweeney, who baptised Léana seven years ago delivered a moving homily.

Among the congregation were Church of Ireland Bishop Paul Colton, Tourism Minister Mary Hanafin, Fine Gael health spokesperson Dr James Reilly, the North’s Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, Seanad leader, Donie Cassidy, Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Michael O’Connell, Cork city manager Tim Lucey, and British Ambassador to Ireland, Julian King. Several TDs and senators, as well as members of Cork City and Cork County Councils, and members of the Cork London Association, also attended.

The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, who sympathised with the family on Monday night, was represented at the funeral by his aide-de-camp, Commandant Michael Treacy and the Naval Service was represented by Captain Mark Mellet.