Among those to arrive and pay their final respects were President Michael D Higgins, Tánaiste Micheál Martin, Education Minister Norma Foley as well as former Fianna Fáil ministers Mary Coughlan and Dermot Ahern.
Indeed, it was the Fianna Fáil leader who spoke to the assembled media outside ahead of delivering a eulogy to a political confidant and associate he credited had left an 'outstanding legacy' to a community the mother of two had served for almost three decades.
Her six grandchildren each carried a symbol of her life to the altar, including a photo with her beloved husband Enda, whose loss, mourners were told had left 'a great void in her life' following his death in 2001.
The flag of Fianna Fáil, a copy of her book, a rugby jersey, a mobile phone and a newspaper were also brought forward, each a reminder of her family's tradition in the political party, her success as a writer and her love of both rugby and conversation.
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