Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Ba mhaith liom mo chomhbhrón a ghabháil le clann John Carty atá anseo linn inniu. Ba mhaith liom mo chomhbhrón a ghabháil le Fianna Fáil fosta agus le muintir Mhaigh Eo. Ní raibh aithne agam ar John, ach bhí aithne maith ag an Teachta Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin air. Dúirt seisean liomsa gur fear ciúin a bhí ann, fear a raibh meas aige ar dhaoine agus grá mór aige do mhuintir agus do Chontae Mhaigh Eo.

I did not know John personally, but Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin did and tells me that he was a quiet, unassuming and good-natured Member of the Oireachtas and was very respectful to everyone else in the Oireachtas. I listened very intently to what the leader of Fianna Fáil said. His family should be very proud to hear such a ringing endorsement of John's service to the people and the Fianna Fáil Party. Many times the families of people in public life have to take a back seat. He served Mayo as a councillor, Deputy and Senator on the agriculture panel. The Taoiseach has elaborated on how he dealt with farming issues and was an advocate for people in rural Ireland.

Mayo is a wonderful county and is so much part of what we are as a people. It has suffered grievously over a long time. John's connection with Knock Airport will be a major tribute to the work he did on behalf of the people of Mayo. He was only 63 years of age. I remember when all of us thought that was old, but it is relatively young. Of all the people who in here, in Fianna Fáil, Claremorris or Mayo who miss him, those who will miss him most are his family. There is a hole in their lives they will have to work around.

They should be very proud of their father and husband. Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.

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