Bob – the father of musician and humanitarian activist Bob Geldof – was dubbed "the real Bob Geldof" by Fr Gerry Byrne during the funeral service. He was 96.

Bob Geldof delivered a heartfelt and typically honest tribute to his father, which included a reading of 'The Shooting of Dan McGrew', a famous cowboy poem written by Robert W. Service. There were flashes of humour too. "There are more people in this church than come to some of my fucking gigs," Bob joked from the altar.

He was watched by his partner Jeanne Martine, daughters Peaches, Fifi Trixibelle and Pixie and their sister Tiger Lily, the daughter of the late Michael Hutchence and Paula Yates, as well as his sisters Lynn and Cleo.

Also in attendance were the Minister for Science, Technology and Natural Resources Conor Lenihan, Michael D. Higgins of the Labour Party, Ali Hewson, Ossie Kilkenny and Pat Savage of OJ Kilkenny & Co, Dara Kilkenny, former Universal Music boss Dave Pennefather, Caroline Fisher of RTÉ, broadcaster Doireann Ní Bhriain, journalist Brian Trench, TV producer Billy McGrath, musician Brendan Bonass, Charlie McNally, Leon Brennan, Susan Moylett and Pat Moylett – brother and sister of ex-Boomtown Rat Johnny Moylett – journalists Barry Egan, Melanie Finn, Kathy Sheridan and former Boomtown Rats manager Fachtna O'Kelly, among many others.