Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Before we proceed with business, I wish to recognise Marie Smith in the Gallery. Marie has worked in the Members' Restaurant for the past 40 years. On my behalf and of the Members, I wish Marie a very happy, healthy, joyful and long retirement. Marie started working in the House in 1978, following in the footsteps of her mother, Peggy Redmond, who many of us fondly remember. Peggy ran nuts' corner in the restaurant, and it was more difficult to secure a permanent seat in nuts' corner than it was to secure a seat in this House. I was an apprentice there for some time and eventually, after a long apprenticeship, I secured a seat there. I hope that Marie enjoys her party tonight and will have quality time in the future with her husband Paddy, three children and five grandchildren. Guím gach rath ort agus ar do theaghlach.

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