BY JOHN McCUSKER
THE remains of Ben Kiely were returned to his native Tyrone on Tuesday evening to be laid to rest in a family plot in the Dublin Road cemetery in Omagh.
The 87-year-old writer, broadcaster and raconteur died in St Vincent's Hospital in Dublin last Friday evening. He had been in ill health prior to his passing.
Representatives from the literary and broadcasting world joined with family and friends during Requiem Mass in the Sacred Heart Church in Donnybrook. Later, as the remains were laid to rest in Omagh, locals paid their respects to one of the area's leading literary figureheads who will be remembered with reverence and admiration.
On Tuesday morning, many from the locality made the journey to Dublin to attend the funeral. Mass was celebrated by Mgr Tom Stack, a friend of the family, assisted by Fr Gallagher PP in Donnybrook and a priest from the Jesuit Order. Among the congregation were representations from the President and Taoiseach, former Arts Minister Michael D Higgins, Progressive Democrats leader Des O'Malley, writer Anthony Cronin and actor Gerard McSorley. Ben's sister, Kathleen Coll, who is approaching her 94th birthday, travelled from Omagh to join in the funeral service.
A 15-minute oration by Poet Laureate Seamus Heaney encompassed a comprehensive journey through Ben's life and achievements. Seamus also recited a poem he had written to mark Ben's 80th birthday entitled Errata for Ben Kiely. "Ben's mighty, unmistakeable voice was the nearest thing to the voice of God that most of us will experience," Seamus added.
As the remains left the church, Rosemary Quinn sang The Hills Above Drumquin following a special request from Ben's widow, Frances.
Following the ceremony, Ben's remains made its way North for burial in Omagh. Arriving at the cemetery in fading light, the cortege was met by hundreds huddled from the wintry evening mist. As the remains were borne to the graveside, family, friends and acquaintances of Ben's – including playwright Brian Friel and novelist Dermot Healy – encircled the plot to partake in the final prayers which were led by Fr Neil Farren.
Cllr Barry McElduff remarked that the burial ceremony was "quintessentially an Omagh occasion" which had gathered people who had made a strong contribution to community life in the town.
"Everyone was conscious of the indelible mark Benedict Kiely had left on the literary heritage of Ireland," he added.
Ben was laid to rest with his parents Thomas and Sarah and a brother Macarten who had passed away at a young age.
He is survived by his wife Frances, daughters and a son John. He was pre-
deceased by his first wife Maureen and a daughter.
