Athlone's Paddy Cooney has been remembered for his great courage as justice minister during the Troubles at his funeral Mass.
A local bishop said he did the state great service, before his death at the age of 94.
Mr Cooney was justice minister during the Troubles in the 1970s and served in several other ministries in the 80s.
His funeral Mass was held this morning in St Mary's Church in Athlone.
His family were actively involved in the Mass, saying readings, prayers of the faithful and bringing the gifts to the altar.
The Taoiseach and the Tánaiste were represented by Commandant Joe Glennon.
Fr Padraig Kelliher noted how religious Paddy was, attending Mass daily in the friary in Athlone and often coming to him to get Mass cards signed.
Fr Kelleher noted how his body was donated to medical science.
He also recalled how much garda protection Paddy needed when justice minister between 1973 and 1977.
Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise, Paul Connell, also paid tribute.
Pat's family invited the congregation to join them afterwards at the Wineport Lodge in Athlone.
