Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

It is a very sad day. I want to join with the Taoiseach and other colleagues in expressing our shock at this stage and deep sympathy following the news this morning of Kieran's sad death after a heart attack. I want especially to offer my condolences to his wife Mary, their son in Australia who has been contacted and their four daughters, and also to his mother who is still alive and hale and hearty - it is very hard for a mother to hear news like this - and the large extended family.

Kieran and I served together on Laois County Council from the same electoral area of Borris-in-Ossory. We worked exceptionally well on behalf of the area. There is a shock and a gloom around the Rathdowney and south Laois area in the past couple of hours since the word has spread. I have spoken to his brother, Brendan. His wife, Mary, is obviously distraught. I join with all other Members in our expressions of sympathy at this early stage. I will speak to the family at the first available opportunity.

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