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

Ar mo shon féin agus ar son Sinn Féin, ba mhaith liom comhbhrón a dhéanamh le clann agus cairde an iar-Theachta Seán Ardagh, a fuair bás i mí na Bealtaine 2016. On my own behalf and that of Sinn Féin, I wish to express sincere and heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of former Deputy, Seán Ardagh, who passed away in May 2016. Seán, as we have heard had a lengthy and distinguished career in politics at local and national level, serving as a member of Dublin County Council for 14 years, a member of Dublin City Council and in this House for three terms. His daughter, Catherine, whom we acknowledge today, is also a former Dublin City councillor and a Member of the Seanad. I have absolutely no doubt that her father was beyond proud when she assumed office in the Seanad.

I join with everyone in extending sympathy and condolences to Catherine, and to all of Seán's loved ones, particularly his wife, Máire, his sons, Rory and Charlie, all his grandchildren, relatives and friends and his colleagues in Fianna Fáil. He made his mark and made a difference. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Ba mhaith liom freisin comhbhrón a dhéanamh ar mo shon féin agus ar son Sinn Féin le clann agus cairde an iar-Theachta Seán Calleary, a fuair bás i mí an Mheithimh i mbliana. On my behalf and that of my party, Sinn Féin, I equally extend sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of former Deputy, Seán Calleary, who passed away last June. I did not know Seán but he had a lengthy and distinguished career in this place and, as we have discovered, a formidable sporting career as well.

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Seán Calleary served in the House from 1973 to 1992, representing the fine people of Mayo as a Teachta Dála, like his father Phelim before him, and his son, our colleague, Deputy Dara Calleary. It is a formidable political family tree and I know Deputy Calleary takes enormous pride in the record and standing of his father. I have no doubt that Seán was equally proud of Dara. During his time in the House, Seán Calleary served in three junior ministerial positions in the Departments of Labour and Public Service, Industry and Commerce and Foreign Affairs. I join colleagues in extending sympathy and condolences to Seán's wife Doris, his children, John, Conall, Dara and Síofra, his grandchildren, relatives, friends and colleagues in Fianna Fáil. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

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