Ireland: State Funeral Held for Former Taoiseach John Bruton in Dunboyne, Co Meath

A state funeral honouring the legacy of former Taoiseach John Bruton took place in Dunboyne, Co Meath. The event drew dignitaries, including President Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Tánaiste Micheál Martin, and Attorney General Rossa Fanning, who gathered for Mass at St. Peter and Paul’s Church at 11 am. Also in attendance were former Taoisigh Bertie Ahern and Enda Kenny, Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill, and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.

President Michael D Higgins arrived at the funeral of former Taoiseach John Bruton. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill

Crowds gathered in Dunboyne as locals paid their respects, resulting in temporary traffic diversions. Following the Mass, a burial ceremony was held at Rooske Cemetery for the former Fine Gael leader, who passed away earlier in the week at the age of 76 after battling illness.

Former taoiseach Enda Kenny, with Michelle O Neill, Stormont’s First Minister, Mary Lou McDonald and Emma Little-Pengelly, Deputy First Minster. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill

John Bruton served as Taoiseach from 1990 to 2001, leading the Rainbow Coalition Government from December 1994 to June 1997. He subsequently served as the EU’s ambassador to the United States from 2004 to 2009. Father Patrick O’Connor, Parish Priest of Dunboyne and Kilbride, led the Requiem Mass with Bishop of Meath Tom Deenihan and Father Bruce Bradley SJ co-celebrating.

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Jack Chambers TD at the State Funeral of former Taoiseach John Bruton. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill

Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor and Archbishop Dermot Farrell, alongside other clergy, presided over the Mass. Members of the Defense Forces honoured Mr Bruton by carrying his coffin out of the church. Grandchildren Robin and Oliver presented gifts at the altar during the Mass, including a family photograph and his book Faith in Politics.

Mourners at the State funeral of former Taoiseach John Bruton at Saints Peter’s and Paul’s Church in Dunboyne, Co Meath. Photograph: Julien Behal/Government Information Service/PA Wire

Father Bruce Bradley SJ delivered a heartfelt sermon, reflecting Bruton’s honesty, honour, and commitment virtues. He highlighted Bruton’s deep-rooted Catholic faith, emphasizing its central role in his life and identity, often overlooked in public discussions.

Tánaiste Micheal Martin, arriving at John Bruton’s funeral. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill

John Bruton’s state funeral in Dunboyne was a solemn occasion attended by political figures, dignitaries, and community members, paying their respects to a man remembered for his political leadership and unwavering commitment to his faith. His legacy as a statesman and devout Catholic will be remembered and celebrated by those whose lives he touched- John Bruton’s state funeral.