Funeral of beloved Irish actress Brenda Fricker held today on Meath Street

Brenda Fricker's funeral was held today at 11am in St Catherine's Church on Meath Street.

The Dublin actress, best known for her Academy Award-winning performance in My Left Foot or Pigeon Lady in Home Alone 2, died on July 16 after a period of ill health.

Mourners applauded as her coffin was carried into the church, with a Dublin City flag draped over it.

This comes after she received the Freedom of Ireland award earlier this year, with the former Lord Mayor of Dublin Ray McAdam saying, "her Academy Award win was a source of immense national pride, but perhaps even more importantly, she remained a figure who represented the very best of Dublin: resilience, authenticity, compassion and humour."

The priest opened the mass with describing Fricker as having, "lived a life full to the brim, full of love, laughter, stories, kindness, and mischief" and said that Fricker would've wanted "no tears, no sadness, no fuss."

"Brenda was happiest when she was walking among the people here in the Liberties. You see, this was her spiritual home, and she soon discovered that she was a Liberty Belle at heart, because the people of the Liberties are a special breed."

Best friend Liz Duffy thanked friends, neighbours and the local shops on Meath Street that the actress frequented with her dog Juno, on Fricker's behalf. "Brenda just asked me to do this. She gave me all her wishes. I think I've fulfilled them, haven't I?"

"Thank you very much, and please, please be happy for her, because that's what she wanted: smiles and laughter and funny stories. Please just be happy for her for today, because she's out of her pain and misery", she added.

Hundreds showed up to mourn the beloved actress, among them was Irish actor Brendan Gleeson, TV host Ray D'Arcy, former footballer Richard Sadlier, director Jim Sheridan, musician Frankie Gavin, RTÉ's Director-General Kevin Bakhurst and costume designer Joan Bergin.

Representing President Catherine Connolly was her aide-de-camp Brian Clarke.

Filmmaker Tadgh O'Sullivan made reference to Fricker's words in Home Alone 2, saying, "everyone wants to be seen, to be heard. Hearing this line delivered in Brenda's beautiful voice and profound humanity on a desperately sad day in July, it somehow carried timeless truth and an honesty all of her own."

Filmmaker Virginia Gilbert also had words to say about the late actress, "the friendship I experienced with Brenda was unlike any other I have ever known, or ever will again. It transcended any boundaries, for good and for ill."

Local poet Sarah Conway wrote a tribute poem in memory of Fricker, making reference to her role in Home Alone 2, "for forever we will continue to watch your movies. There will never be a maybe. Rest in forever, peace. Their very own Liberties woman, the iconic, the one and our Air Pigeon Lady."

Conway's children also drew pictures of Fricker's character in Home Alone 2, which were hung on the gates of St. Catherine's church.

As the funeral came to a close, Fricker's coffin was taken down the aisle to 'Jailhouse Rock' by Elvis Presley, before being taken to the private burial.