The life, love, talent and generosity of writer Maeve Binchy have been remembered at her funeral.

Mourners from the worlds of the arts, journalism and politics paid tribute to Ireland's national treasure, who died on Monday.

Her husband, the writer Gordon Snell, brother William and sister Joan led hundreds of mourners including actress Brenda Fricker, who starred in the screen versions of some of Binchy's books.

Father William Stuart told the congregation in her native Dalkey, south Dublin, each had their own memory of the 72-year-old author.

"There isn't a person here or beyond here who cannot recall her infectious personality," he said. "A river of ink has been used this week to remember her."

The service was short and simple, in accordance with Binchy's own final wishes, and the only flowers were a large arrangement of roses called Rosa Gordon Snell, which she had named after her "beloved" as a gift.

Her neighbour, the Father Ted actor Frank Kelly, read the psalm, and there were readings from the writer's brother and her cousin, the actress Kate Binchy.

Binchy's love of Irish traditional music was celebrated, with moving pieces performed by Liam O'Flynn, Shaun Davey, Rita Connolly and Paddy Glackin. They included her Desert Island Discs favourite, O'Flynn's The Brendan Theme.

As Binchy's hearse left the churchyard, mourners who had listened outside in the rain formed a guard of honour and burst into spontaneous applause.

The novelist, who died in hospital after a short illness, was cremated at a private ceremony for family and close friends.