Michael Ahern (Cork East, Fianna Fail)

I join my colleagues in expressing sympathy on the recent death of my late colleague Joe Sherlock. I worked with Joe since 1982 and can vouch for the fact that he was a hard-working public representative who was uncompromising in his work for the constituency. That he was elected to many bodies over 40 years was proof of the esteem in which he was held in the constituency of Cork East. When I spoke to him before the last general election, he was hopeful that his son would be elected and on the night of the election he was very proud that he had succeeded. I am sure he is looking down from above at us and wishing Deputy Sherlock and the rest of us well.

I extend to Deputy Sherlock, Joe, Úna, his wife, Ellen, brothers and extended family my sympathy and that of the Fianna Fáil organisation in Cork East on Joe's sad death such a short time after he left this House. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

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