James Gogarty was a man of integrity, who cherished "family and faith" above all else, mourners were told at his funeral yesterday.
Mr Gogarty, who died last Thursday aged 88, was a caring and loving father and grandfather, "who would literally give his life for all of you", according to the celebrant, Fr Michael O'Grady.
"He was honest, frank, generous, caring, intelligent and witty. He had a sharp and incisive intellect, and a passion for crosswords, fishing, playing cards, poetry and song."
Fr O'Grady, who knew Mr Gogarty for 30 years, said the former building company executive, whose revelations about corruption led to the setting up of the planning tribunal in 1997, loved "all things Irish" and, in particular, the west and Connemara.
"He was a man of integrity who never demanded of others what he would not expect of himself," said Fr O'Grady, a nephew of Mr Gogarty's widow Anna.
Anna Gogarty, the Gogartys' seven sons and daughters and eight grandchildren led the mourners at yesterday's funeral Mass in the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Baldoyle.
Although the hearts of Mr Gogarty's family would be filled with grief, Fr O'Grady said, there would be room too for gratitude that he had lived so long. "Uncle Jimmy" had lived "a long and vibrant life" and his last days had been marked by much care and love from his family.
Mr Justice Feargus Flood, who chaired the tribunal in its first five years and wrote the 2001 report which vindicated Mr Gogarty's claims, attended the service. Minister of State for Transport, northside Fianna Fáil TD Ivor Callely, was also present in the attendance of several hundred people.
Some of those present for Mr Gogarty's appearance in the witness box of the tribunal in 1999 were there yesterday, including one of his lawyers, Brian O'Moore SC, and regular tribunal-goer Peter Zambra.
Mr Zambra, a pensioner who has attended many major trials going back to 1956, told The Irish Times Mr Gogarty was an inspiration to his generation.
"He was an amazing guy, who wasn't afraid to take on the politicians or the lawyers when he knew he was right." Mr Gogarty was buried in Fingal Cemetery. He is survived by Anna, daughters Deirdre, Clodagh and Orla, and sons Éamon, Daragh, Enda and Conall.
