Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Independent Alliance, I express my deepest sympathy to both families on the loss of the two Seáns. I express to Seán Calleary's family, particularly his son, Deputy Dara Calleary, my sincerest sympathy on the loss of a father and husband. As one who grew up in Tuam, County Galway, known for the Tuam Stars, I know how highly regarded Seán Calleary was in Galway circles, especially by those in UCG, those at Galwegians and people involved in Gaelic football and soccer. His was a name I grew up hearing. I did not know Seán personally, but I heard of his great work and I know he was deeply proud that his son, Deputy Dara Calleary, was elected as a Member of Dáil Éireann.

I note to the family of Seán Ardagh that he was a very special friend of mine, as Senator Catherine Ardagh and Máire Ardagh will know, and he will always have a very special place in my heart. He was an amazing politician of great skill and integrity and, above all, he was a very compassionate man. Máire, Catherine, Charlie, Rory and family have experienced a very sad loss. Seán was very close to me during many difficult times in my life and he was very friendly with my late wife, Anne. He was always very kind during the years of great difficulty, sadness and illness in our family. I will never forget that. The members of the Ardagh family know I mean it from the bottom of my heart. Máire Ardagh served as a councillor when I was a city councillor and we got on well together and had many great nights and a lot of craic. We enjoyed the moments. Seán Ardagh always encouraged us all to enjoy the moments, notwithstanding differences in our politics. He was very proud of Senator Catherine Ardagh and rang me about her campaign when he was very ill.

He was very strong, so he would have been very proud of Catherine becoming a Senator and he spent a lot of time talking about her. As the parent of two daughters also, we had many chats between breaks at the justice committee.

On a personal and political level, Seán was very professional as chairman of the justice committee. He really enjoyed diversity and difference and we had many debates, rows and differences of opinions. He was always trying to get me on board because I was the maverick, rogue Independent on the committee at the time. He was always trying to get me to reach consensus.

See this speech in context