Gerry Ryan was laid to rest today, in a casket inscribed with the inspired phrase 'Open the pod bay doors, HAL' (if that doesn't ring any bells, rent out Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey). His funeral took place in Clontarf's St John the Baptist Church, the venue of his baptism, his wedding, and where all of his five children were christened. Those attending today's mass included Louis Walsh, members of Westlife and Boyzone, Larry Gogan, Pat Kenny, Hector Ó hEochagain, President Mary McAleese, Ryan Tubridy, Brendan Grace, and legions of other mourners.
According to RTE: "Prayers of the faithful were written and read by Gerry Ryan's children Babs, Elliott and Bonnie, and his godchild Lucas. The String Quartet from the National Symphony Orchestra, Dublin Gospel Choir and Westlife were among those to sing and play music during the mass. Eulogies were delivered by Gerry's brother Manno and his two eldest children, Lottie and Rex. Gerry's wife Morah paid a moving tribute to their children and extended her sympaties to his partner Melanie. After the Mass, his coffin was taken to Dardistown Cemetery, where he was buried alongside his parents.
A gallery from the church can be seen here.
Our tribute to the broadcaster can be read here.
