Hundreds of mourners attend the funeral of the writer and journalist Nuala O'Faolain in Fairview, Dublin.
Contracting lung cancer at the age of 68, the writer and journalist Nuala O'Faolain died on 9 May 2008, two months from the point of diagnosis. Hundreds mourners attend her funeral at the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the north Dublin suburb of Fairview.
On 12 April 2008, RTÉ Radio 1 broadcast an interview Nuala O’Faolain gave to her lifelong friend Marian Finucane during which she spoke candidly about the imminence of death.
In a tribute from the altar Marian Finucane describes her friend as,
A woman of wit, grace and humour, a brilliant mind and a steadfast friend.
Marian Finucane recounts how the interview with Nuala O'Faolain helped thousands of people in the way she had faced death. In turn the writer had been overwhelmed by the public response to the interview,
It was like a wall of love and goodness coming at her and at that that goodness and that love had such a profound and spiritual effect.
Co-celebrant Father Enda McDonagh notes that throughout her life Nuala O'Faolain sought justice for those denied it.
Her talent for friendship was therefore part of her remarkable vulnerability because it was a care for the wounded.
Chief among the mourners are Nuala O’Faolain’s five sisters and brother, and her partner, barrister John Low-Beer. Also her former partner Nell McCafferty. Colleagues and friends include fellow writer Colm Tóibín and Irish Times editor Geraldine Kennedy.
Outside the church the writer’s one year black Labrador, Mabel, provides a distracting comfort.
Following the service, the funeral cortege makes its way to Glasnevin Cemetery where Nuala O'Faolain is laid to rest.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 13 May 2008. The reporter is Anne-Marie Smyth.
