At a humble country church in the depths of Co Armagh, hundreds gathered to bid farewell to Seamus Mallon today.
There was a simple and deeply personal service for the Markethill man at his own request.
The hour-long service at St James of Jerusalem Church at Mullaghbrack was truly reflective of Seamus’ simple approach to life, honest, meaningful and straight to the point without drama or fuss, buoyed by love, with emotions running deep and handled with dignity.
He was remembered as a husband and father, a grandfather and brother, a teacher and headmaster, a golfer and fisherman, a friend to all, a peacemaker and tough negotiator and a politician with clear vision and drive for good.
Fr Michael Woods lead the Requiem Mass with Archbishop Eamon Martin.
Fr Woods said: “I extend a particular welcome to Seamus’ family – his daughter Orla, his son-in-law Mark, his grand-daughter Lara, his sisters Maura, Jean and Kate, his brother-in-law Joe, and his nieces and nephews and their families.
“We are deeply conscious that for you, Orla, and the entire family this is an occasion of great personal sadness as you say farewell not so much to a man of high stature in public life on the island, but rather your own dear father, grand-father, father-in-law, brother, uncle and somebody hugely special and significant in your family lives. Our profound sympathies to you all.”
Among the locals who gathered to support the Mallon family were the Deputy Lieutenant of County Armagh presenting the Queen, the Aide de Camp to President Higgins, the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, the Tánaiste Simon Coveney, the Secretary of State Julian Smith, the Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, First Minister Arlene Foster, and Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill, MPs, US Consul General, Ministers, Speaker of the Assembly, MLAs, TDs, Senators, and Councillors and so many public representatives North and South.
Father Woods said: “Your presence in such huge numbers is testament in itself to the impact of Seamus on the life of this island.
“I am particularly pleased to greet so many people from this parish and the surrounding area.
“Seamus’ own people. It was his personal wish that his funeral should be here in the Church in which so many sacred moments in his life and that of his family were marked and celebrated, including his own baptism over 83 years ago.
“Seamus Mallon was a man of deep faith and it is our privilege to host the final liturgical and scared moment of his long, full and rich life here in the place of profound importance to him.
“We are very proud in this parish of the many achievements of Seamus Mallon and the enormous contribution he made to peace and reconciliation on our island.
“For that reason, we are particularly pleased that several representatives of other Christian denominations have joined us to say their farewells, and pay their tributes to a man who placed huge store by the holding out of the hand of friendship.
“As Seamus’ Parish Priest, and in that same spirit, I extend a particular warm welcome.”
Before the service Fr Woods accepted the bringing up of the Life Gifts – symbols of the different aspects of Seamus’ life that were important and dear to him.
The first gift is a copy of Seamus’ own memoir, A Shared Home Place which he had published last year. It was brought forward by Andy Pollak who collaborated with Seamus in the writing of the book.
Seamus’ Maiden Speech in the House of Commons – carried by Nuala Feehan, Friend & Seamus’ Executive Assistan.
To represent the man of faith, a photograph of Seamus with Pope John Paul the Second carried by Sean Lenagh, Friend & Chairman of Mid Armagh Branch of SDLP.
A pot of roses carried by Marie Harte, family friend and carer.
A Book for Poppy carried by Lara Lenny his granddaughter.
A fishing reel carried by Kevin Loughny friend and fishing companion.
Rosapenna golf balls carried by Sean Conlon, friend and golfing companion.
Nichola Mallon, Minister for Infrastructure, Deputy Leader of the SDLP and friend to Seamus read from Ecclesiastes.
