For me, and my siblings and our families, Cardinal Cormac was always “Uncle Cormac”, writes James Murphy-O’Connor.

There was always something magical about him and to be in his presence was special. He was supportive, interested, caring, loving and full of wise advice and good humour. He had a special gift with words, using simple stories and jokes to impart deep and profound messages that would both resonate and remain with you for years.

Cormac was a man of God. He saw his priesthood, and later his role as bishop and then archbishop and cardinal, simply as a gift that allowed him to reach out to as many people as possible.