State funeral of former Taoiseach John Bruton begins in his native Co Meath

Fr Patrick O'Connor is now greeting John Bruton's family: wife Finola Bruton, son Matthew, daughters Juliana, Emily, and Mary-Elizabeth, grandchildren, and son-in-law Oliver Inieko.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is among those who have arrived at Saints Peter and Paul’s Church in Dunboyne, Co Meath for the State funeral of former taoiseach John Bruton. 

Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe, Justice Minister Helen McEntee, Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney, and Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue are among those in attendance, and parliamentary ushers are also among the mourners.

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern arrives at St Peter and Paul Church in Dunboyne for the funeral of John Bruton.

President Higgins was seen signing the book of condolence ahead of the funeral. John Bruton's family is now arriving at the Church.

The car of President Michael D. Higgins has just arrived at St. Peter and Paul’s Church in Dunboyne while dozens of people gathered at the gates of the church to pay their respects to the late Taoiseach.

Mr Bruton's State funeral is due to begin shortly. Among the early arrivals are Former Minister for Justice Alan Dukes and Tanáiste Micheál Martin.

Broadcaster and former minister Ivan Yates was followed in by Higher Education Minister Simon Harris, while MEP Mairead McGuinness has arrived.

Former Taoiseach Enda Kenny has arrived with his wife Fionnuala. Mr Kenny said it was "an emotional day" as he remembered a friend of 50 years.

Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill arrived with Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald. 

Ministers Paschal Donohoe and Neale Richmond have arrived. Followed by former Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan and former communications minister Denis Naughten. 

Final preparations are being made ahead of the state funeral of former Taoiseach John Bruton this morning.

A big screen and speakers have been set up outside St Perter and Paul's Church in Dunboyne Co Meath, ahead of the 11am funeral Mass. Chairs are being set up outside for those who wish to pay their respects but may be unable to access the church for the ceremony.

More than 150 members of the defence forces will play a part in today's events.

Mr Bruton's remains will be brought to the nearby Rooske Cemetery for burial afterwards.

The first of the mourners have started to arrive, among them is former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. Ushers and staff from the Houses of the Oireachtas are also in attendance.

Journalist and broadcaster Vincent Browne has come to pay his respects. Members of the Fine Gael parliamentary party have also arrived now. Among them are TDs Paul Kehoe, Senator Sean Kyne and MEP Maria Walsh.