PRESIDENT Mary McAleese led a forest of tributes to the memory of former President Dr. Patrick Hillery after his death at the age of 84 on Saturday.His state funeral this Wednesday, with ceremonial burial at St. Fintan's Cemetery in Sutton, Co. Dublin following Mass at the Pro-Cathedral, was marked with flags flying at half-mast on government buildings across the country.His remains were brought to the Pro-Cathedral on Tuesday afternoon and thousands of mourners showed their respects as they filed past the coffin for seven hours.In her tribute, McAleese said she felt "honored and humbled" to follow in Hillery's footsteps. "Today, we detect his foresight and pioneering agenda everywhere - a free education system, a dynamic, well-educated people, a successful economy and a thriving membership of the European Union, one of the single most transformative events for this country," she said."As Ireland's first European commissioner, his innate sense of justice achieved equal pay for women throughout the member states. As minister for external affairs, he played a pivotal role in the attempt to have that escalating conflict in Northern Ireland contained and ended."Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Bertie Ahern said Hillery, both as a private citizen and in his public role, gave outstanding and unrivalled service to the Irish state and to the Irish people.Ahern added, "Paddy Hillery defined loyalty. He embodied integrity. He was both clever and wise. But most of all, he was a people's person, a Clareman proud of his heritage and at home with his people."Taoiseach-designate Brian Cowen was invited by the family to deliver the graveside oration while Hillery was buried with his daughter Vivienne, who died in 1987.Hillery served two full seven-year terms as president of Ireland from 1976 to 1990 in the unique circumstances of being unopposed each time.The presidency, which was virtually imposed on him by his own Fianna Fail party at a time of crisis following the resignation of President Cearbhall Dlaigh, meant a premature end to a career in politics, spanning Ireland and Europe, at the early age of 53.Hillery was born on May 2, 1923, at Miltown Malbay, Co Clare. His father, Michael Hillery, was a popular doctor in the largely rural area and treated wounded IRA members during the War of Independence. The family home was burned by the Black and Tans.Hillery was to retain strong nationalist feelings during his own political career and was not averse to displaying them on selected occasions as minister for foreign affairs when dealing with Northern Ireland.