Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am not speaking on behalf of the Government or Fine Gael or for myself in my role as a Louth Deputy. I just happen to be a Deputy for County Louth, but what I am about to say comes from me personally. I am a proud Louth man and a proud Irish man. I am proud not only to have known Adrian Donohoe but to have considered him a friend.

The recent cold-blooded murder of Adrian transcends politics, sport and even communities. This atrocity has robbed two beautiful children, Amy and Niall, of a father. It has left Caroline without a devoted husband, a community without a selfless member, and a nation in deep shock.

This brutal slaying of a brave Irish citizen has galvanised the nation. In my memory I cannot recall a greater outpouring of grief. The Irish people have responded with dignity and decency - nothing more than I would have expected. My office in Dundalk has fielded calls and e-mails from all corners of Ireland and from as far away as the United States, England and Australia. Every message has been similar with three main themes - condolences to the family; brave Irish men; and, cowards. I wish to say no more on that.

There are certain moments in life when one can remember exactly where one was when one heard of a particular event. Recent examples we can recall include the attacks on the Twin Towers in New York or the tsunami in Asia. These events shocked the world. I will always remember where I was when I heard about Adrian. What happened last Friday shocked this nation. As I look around the House I am sure my colleagues can also recall where they were last Friday. I am sure they can recall the hollow feeling in the pit of their stomachs. It is a feeling that is hard to describe. One feels almost still, empty and more than just stunned. One is more than gutted and shocked. One is empty and in an almost bizarre feeling of irrelevance. Nothing else really matters. That is the way I felt.

The people of Lordship and County Louth and the citizens of Ireland lost someone special last Friday. Adrian was a beacon, a tower of strength, a bastion of goodness. Adrian was a true Gael, a true Irishman. He may have left us but he will never be forgotten. Adrian, I pray we meet again some time. Rest in peace.

See this speech in context