Former president to be laid to rest

The state funeral of former president Patrick Hillery will take place in Dublin today.

Thousands of people are expected to turn out at the Pro-Cathedral to pay their respects to the doctor, known affectionately as Paddy.

Taoiseach-in-waiting Brian Cowen will deliver the graveside oration, at the request of the family, as Dr Hillery is laid to rest beside his daughter Vivienne in St Fintan’s Cemetery, overlooking Dublin Bay.

Dr Hillery, who held the presidency for two terms from 1976, died on Saturday in Dublin aged 84.

President Mary McAleese, her husband Dr Martin McAleese and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will read at the Requiem Mass at noon.

Following the city centre service, the cortege will be escorted by a military company and band along Beresford Place where it will be replaced by a military motorcycle escort of honour to St Fintan’s.

Members of the Defence Forces will line the approach to the graveyard.

Preceded by a military band and pall bearers, the coffin, led by a piper, will be brought to the graveside.

Following prayers, Tánaiste Brian Cowen will deliver the oration and military honours will be rendered.

Several thousand people are expected to attend the service and line streets in Dublin’s city centre.

Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness will attend the funeral along with SDLP deputy leader Alasdair McDonnell.

Removal of the remains of the former Fianna Fáil TD, minister and European Commissioner, took place last night with hundreds of people filing past the coffin to pay their respects.

All flags on public buildings will fly at half-mast until after the state funeral.

Motorists were warned diversions will be in place with heavy delays expected throughout the afternoon.