Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I do not have 30 years' service in this place but I can say from the recent years I have served here that I have always been struck by Tom's professionalism, courtesy and good humour. Let this be said also of all of the ushers who work in the Oireachtas. I join with others in thanking Tom for this and in congratulating him for such an outstanding record of public service. The idea of a memoir is quite a good one and I am taken with it. It certainly would make interesting reading. I would like to let Tom know that when his name was first mentioned in the Chamber this morning the beginnings of a chorus of "Ooh, aah, Tom McGrath" started and then stopped. It would accurately reflect the esteem in which he is held on all sides of the House. I wish him and his family well in his retirement. I wish Tom health and the enjoyment of the Premier County, which I can say with deep sincerity, having a Tipperary mother. Ar son Shinn Féin, ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil le Tom. I thank Tom and wish him the very best of luck.

See this speech in context