Prominent figures from the worlds of sport and politics are among those in attendance at the mass.

The small seaside village of Ventry in West Kerry has come to a standstill - for the funeral today of Paidi O Se - which got underway at 11.45am this morning.

The iconic GAA manager and eight-time All-Ireland winning footballer died of a suspected heart attack at his home on Saturday morning.

The coffin carrying his remains was carried from his house, where he had been lying in repose, the short distance across the road to Ventry Parish Church.

The chief mourners - Paidi O Se's wife Maire, his daughters Neasa and Suin and his son Padraig Og - have been joined by huge crowds in and around the small church which is full to capacity.

The service is being relayed on speakers to hundreds of people standing outside.

At the start of the mass his daughter Neasa read a poem.

Also in attendance are former Taoiseach Brian Cowen, Paidi O'Se's former team mate Jimmy Deenihan - the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, members of the current Kerry football team, inter county manager Mick O'Dwyer and former rugby player Mick Galway.

The President Michael D Higgins is being respresented at the mass by his Aide de Comp Colonel Brendan McAndrew - while the Taoiseach Enda Kenny is being respresented by his Aide de Comp - Commandant Michael Treacy.

Paidi will be laid to rest in Reilig Caitliona cemetery following requiem mass.