The funeral is taking place in West Cork of the former Munster and South MEP Brian Crowley.
Described by Taoiseach Micháel Martin as having no equal in the modern political era, friends and politicians from across the political divide joined his family at St Patrick's Church in his hometown of Bandon to say their goodbyes.
The President of Ireland Catherine Connelly is represented by her Aide-de-Camp Commandant Deirdre Newall.
Among those attending the funeral are Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan, Minister of State Christopher O’Sullivan, Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy, as well as former Fiaana Fáil ministers Michael Moynihan and Eamon Ó Cuiv, as well as Senator Mark Daly.
Mr Crowley died in hospital in Cork on Friday, aged 61, following a long illness. He is survived by his mother Sally, brother Niall and sisters Maeve, Deirdre and Fiona and their families.
In his eulogy, Niall Crowley said that the "four Fs: family, friends, faith and fun" reflected the true values of what Brian had stood for.
While parish priest Fr. John Newman said Mr Crowley's "natural cheerfulness, enthusiasm and energy radiated warmth and happiness.
"His bubbly personality and winning smile instantly endeared him to people," he added in his homily.
"He was a pure gentleman. He inspired and motivated many with his positivity and resilience. He brought great joy to countless with his singing and good humour".
A man reared in a family of deep faith, Fr Newman said he became "an inspiration to us all" for the way he dealt with an accident at the age of 16 which confined him to a wheelchair.
He also had to deal with loosing his father, former TD Flor Crowley at the age of 62, and his younger brother Flor Jnr in a car accident.
"Again, Brian was an inspiration in the way he dealt with the trials and tribulations of life. He face them not just with unparalleled bravery but also with geniality, humour and fate".
Fr. Newman described his time as an MEP for Munster and the South Constituency as "Brian's Golden Era", years in which he proved himself "to be a brave and courageous man who helped a lot of people".
"After a short period in the Seanad, Brian stood in 1994 in the Munster Constituency in the European Parliament Election where he romped home to begin a glittering career. Brian was returned in four subsequent elections with outstanding votes. Those twenty years were Brian’s Golden Era".
A love of laughter and music
Niall Crowley said his brother overcame many challenges in life and his ability to handle adversity was a rare quality that he possessed and inherited from his mother, Sally.
He said that when Brian was severely injuring following a fall at the age of 16, he said his parents were told that he would not live beyond the age of 25 but in "reaching nearly 62 years of age, he certainly overcame this".
Niall said the way they handled this news "had a major influence on how Brian himself would handle the trials and tribulations that life showed up".
"Brian's faith was an incredible part of his life. He never forced his religious belief on people, but his deep denotation to Our Lady was a constant components of his daily life".
Brian, he said had a great sense of humour and love of music and singing and will be forever connected with music sessions in Shanley’s pub in Clonakilty. He particularly looked forward to his weekly game of poker on a Thursday night with his great friends which spanned over 35 years.
He also thanked the staff of Ward 2B at Cork University Hospital for their "incredible work and dedication. "Brian spent a lot of time in his later years (here), and the people working on Ward 2B were like a second family to them.
"Brian’s ability to overcome adversity was never more reflected than in how he helped our family at the time of his brother, my brother Flor’s death. Thank God that he is now able to share his time with his dad and brother. If Brian has not got a front seat in heaven, then the rest of us are in serious trouble. Thank you, Brian, for all you’ve done. Rest in peace".
Hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects as his body lay in repose at Gabriel & O'Donovan's Funeral Home in Bandon yesterday afternoon.
After today's mass, Mr Crowley will be laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.
Read more - Brian Crowley: A formidable poll-topper of Irish politics who defied physical and political adversity
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