Seán Ardagh (Dublin South Central, Fianna Fail)

I am glad to have the opportunity to join my colleagues in expressing my sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of the late Tomás MacGiolla. I have been aware of Tomás MacGiolla's political work at national and international level for many years. It is only since 2002 when Ballyfermot and Chapelizod became part of the Dublin South-Central constituency that I became aware of the deep involvement of Tomás and his wife, May, in the many volunteer and community groups and projects in the area. Tomás and May - I hope May will forgive me for mentioning them both in the same breath - were well known and much respected by all the community activists in the area and everyone who met them.

One area in which Tomás was particularly interested was the Liffey Alliance, with the achievement of the amenity order along the river in the area. Tomás was truly a giant of a man not alone in height and stature, but also in the community of Chapelizod and Ballyfermot. Tomás is gone but he will not be forgotten. To his good wife, May, his family and friends, on behalf of the local Fianna Fáil organisation and myself, I offer my sincere sympathy.

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