Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Aylward family, Helena, Triona, Bob, Mark and the grandchildren. It is particularly great to see the kids here. I know it has been said already. I offer my very sincere sympathies to his family, particularly in the run-up to Christmas. It is a very difficult time.

I got to know Bobby in around 2009. I was elected to the council and was very new to the whole electoral system. Although Bobby was not on the council at that time - he was a Deputy - he was extremely helpful and kind. I got to know him even better during the 2015 by-election because I was running in it. We had some of the best times during that. Obviously, we were rivals but at the same time, you could always have a laugh with Bobby. He was so helpful, particularly to somebody new. You are not always sure about procedure and have nerves around speaking publicly. He was incredibly kind and helpful. This has been my experience of Liam and Councillor Eamon Aylward with whom I served on the council for a few years. He was unbelievably helpful and kind and really worked for the constituency and the good of Carlow-Kilkenny. I offer our sincere sympathies to Helena and the wider family.

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