Two recent Irish funerals observed: the first was that of Cardinal Desmond Connell, Archbishop of Dublin, and the first Dubliner to be given a cardinal’s hat for 120 years. He was a doctor of philosophy and a professor of metaphysics, and died in February, aged 90. Dr Connell was a conservative on doctrinal matters and was much criticised for his mishandling of the paedophile clerical scandals. Yet his former students said he was a good man, caring and conscientious.
No member of the Irish government attended Dr Connell’s funeral. Nor did any TD (a member of parliament, the Dáil) – just a sole senator, Rónán Mullen. President Michael D Higgins issued a short and perfunctory statement.
