Mgr Ciaran O’Carroll, rector of the Irish College in Rome and a first cousin of the esteemed broadcaster, admitted to mourners in St Brigid’s Church, Kill, Co Kildare that the news of her death “came as a dreadful shock”.

“Today there are thousands of children and young adults who are alive because of their [Marian and her husband, John's] work," Melanie Verwoerd, former South African Ambassador to Ireland.

“This rediscovered masterpiece has a special place in the gallery and we remain indebted to the Irish Jesuit community for their continued generosity in making the work available on loan” – Sean Rainbird, Director of the National Gallery of Ireland.

You can't take away a person's good name. You must deal with what they are saying: Breda O'Brien.