Watkins funeral hears life 'dominated by family and fun'

The funeral mass of writer, musician and broadcaster Kathleen Watkins has heard she was a "remarkable woman" whose life "was dominated by four words - family, friendship, faith and fun".

Ms Watkins, who turned 90 on 17 October, died last week five years after her husband, RTÉ broadcaster Gay Byrne, whose anniversary fell on 4 November.

Ms Watkins's daughter, Suzy Byrne, delivered the eulogy at the funeral mass, paying tribute to a "truly remarkable woman".

"Mum was a lady. She was full of grace, gentility and love. Her life was dominated by four words. Family. friendship, faith and fun,'' Ms Byrne said.

The family recalled that their mother was affectionately known as "Nana Kit", adding that: "She left us at her favourite time, dawn."

Ms Byrne said her mother was a lady "who simply never grew old".

Mourners were told that Ms Watkins was adored by her late husband.

"Her support of Dad was unwavering. The continuous banter between them was that of a couple who loved each other dearly. Our father Gay, quite simply, adored mum, he deeply appreciated her support of him.

"The haven she created for him at home, the lions' share she took of our parenting. She chose Dad, myself and Crona, taking herself out of show business. A decision which would shape our family life and our childhood," Ms Byrne said.

The congregation were told how Ms Watkins found a new focus in life after the passing of her husband.

"Mum's friends saw the best in her. She had lost her soul mate, but her belief was that the show must go on, so she turned to her friends and they welcomed her with open arms.

"I asked one of them what their memory of my mother would be. They replied, 'my memory of Kathleen Watkins is one of beauty, beauty of face, beauty of demeanour, of action and reaction'."

Crona Byrne read a prayer at the funeral mass.

Ms Watkin's grandchildren, Cian, Sadbh, Kate and Saoirse, also paid tribute to their 'Nana Kit'.

Sadbh O'Byrne played the harp in tribute to her grandmother who was a well-known harpist.

She was encouraged to take up the instrument by Ms Watkins who also taught her how to play the it.

Among those in attendance at the funeral were former RTÉ broadcasters Mike Murphy, Olivia O'Leary, John Bowman and Mary Kennedy.

RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst also attended alongside broadcasters Joe Duffy, Ray D'arcy and Marty Whelan. Other mourners included Moya Doherty, John McColgan, Dave Fanning and Lorraine Keane.