Hundreds attend funeral of singer Dolores Keane in Galway

Hundreds of people are attending the funeral of the singer Dolores Keane in Co Galway this afternoon.

Crowds queued for several hours in advance of today's funeral mass as the Church of St Patrick and St Cuana in Kilcoona.

President Connolly is among the congregation, as is her predecessor Michael D Higgins.

The Taoiseach is being represented by his Aide de Camp, Commandant Joseph Glennon.

Symbols of Dolores Keane's life and lengthy career were brought to the altar at the start of the service.

Musicians including Finbar Furey and Matt Molloy have also travelled to attend.

They've been joined by friends from around the country, who are providing musical accompaniment during the mass.

In his homily, Chief Celebrant Fr Peter Gannon, spoke about the joy music brings and the manner in which Dolores Keane gave that gift to so many people.

"I don’t believe we can actually absorb how much our small island can be so recognised for its way of life, its traditions and its achievements," he said.

He said that over the decades, Ms Keane had been "a figure of what it stands for to be truly Irish.

It is difficult to digest what she achieved over the years with her voice.

She has captured the hearts of many; she has stood up among the crowd," he said.

Fr Gannon, a friend of the Keane family, said Dolores was one of "the most humble people that walked this earth".

Following this afternoon's mass, Dolores Keane will be laid to rest in in Donaghpatrick cemetery.

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Obituiary: Dolores Keane: 'the queen of the soul of Ireland'