A STATE funeral for the former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds is to take place in Dublin today.
Mr Reynolds, who played a key role in the Northern Ireland peace process, died on Thursday at the age of 81.
The Fianna Fáil politician, who was born in Rooskey, County Roscommon, served as taoiseach from February 1992 to December 1994.
His funeral will be held at Sacred Heart Church, Donnybrook, Dublin, at noon followed by burial in Shanganagh Cemetery, Shankill, with full military honours.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny, President Michael D Higgins and several serving and past politicians will attend the funeral mass.
Former British prime minister John Major, who described Mr Reynolds as a remarkable friend, will also attend the mass.
Both Major and Reynolds are credited with laying the foundation on which the Northern Ireland peace process was built. The two worked to create 1993's Downing Street Declaration, which effectively set in train the Northern Ireland peace process, including the 1994 IRA ceasefire.
Fr Brian D'Arcy will celebrate the mass in the presence of the Archbishop of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin.
Mr Reynolds' son Philip will give the eulogy and his daughter Andrea will read a reflection.
Eimear Quinn, Red Hurley and Paddy Cole will be among the singers and musicians participating in the ceremony.
See More: Albert Reynolds, Ireland, State Funeral, Taoiseach
