Kerry birthplace of former leader’s great-grandmother thought to have been used by IRA during Troubles

A galaxy removed from the pomp and splendour of St Paul’s Cathedral, it was business as usual in the gales and rain in unpretentious Dromanassig, Co Kerry, yesterday.

Comfortable in their working gear and wellingtons, Paddy O’Shea and his nephew Neilie O’Shea went about their farm chores in the normal way, several times walking past a tree-shaded ruin yards from cattle sheds.

They scarcely had time to watch live TV coverage and the sombre-suited statesmen, politicians and royalty attending Margaret Thatcher’s funeral in London. In striking contrast to the deep, solemn tones of choirs in the great cathedral, birdsong offered a humble requiem, to the rhythm of branches blowing in the wind.