Hush descended as remains brought to church

Amid emotional scenes, a hush descended on the crowd as the remains of Páidí Ó Sé were removed from his home to Ventry Church, scarcely 100 metres across the road.

The coffin was shouldered by his son Pádraig Óg, brother Tomás, four footballing nephews, Feargal, Darragh, Tomás and Marc and brother-in-law Steve Fahy.

A pathway had to be made through the large concourse of mourners who stood outside the packed church. Chief concelebrant of the Mass in Irish was Fr Kieran O’Brien, a friend of the Ó Sé family, and broadcaster Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh was fear an tí.

A poem he loved, The Blind Man in Croke Park, was read by Páidí’s daughter, Neasa, who was warmly applauded, and readings during the Mass were by family members.

Fr O’Brien, administrator in Killarney, said he had got to know Páidí through playing handball and remained close to him even when he moved parishes.

Like everyone in life, Páidí had known times when things went against him, and he had felt a cloud around him “scamall timpeall air”. But he always had a word for everyone and time for everyone, regardless of their station in life.

Turning to Páidí’s wife Máire, and children Neasa, Siún and Pádraig Óg, Fr O’Brien said: “On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of west Kerry and the entire county, as the year draws to a close and the sun is at its lowest in the skies darkness has fallen on this community and on Páidí’s family with his sudden and untimely death, we pray for them at this time. Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís.”

Pádraig Óg told how he had been comforted by Tyrone manager Mickey Harte since his father’s death. After a chat with the Tyrone manager, he knew he would remain close to his father and everyone else would too.

Páidí’s brother, Tomás, spoke movingly about his life and times and referred to his countless friends.

“All his friends had the X factor. They were specialists in some line, but CJ (former-taoiseach Charlie Haughey) was the boss. He was particularly friendly with CJ and looked forward to visiting the island (Inishvickillane) when CJ was around.”

Mr Ó Sé also mentioned the friendship between Páidí and other FF taoisigh, Bertie Ahern and Brian Cowen. “He really got on great with Brian Cowen who was as good as himself at telling a yarn, or as a mimic. They had great times together.”

Singing at the Mass, concelebrated by 11 priests, was by Cór Cúil Aodha, under Peadar Ó Riada, with music by Seán Óg Potts (pipes) and Paddy Glackin (fiddle).

Sláine Ní Chathalláin sang the classic Kerry ballad, The Boys of Barr na Sráide, while Jimmy Kelly, brother of the late Luke, sang Raglan Road.