Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome both families here today. Having this vote of sympathy is an expression and a celebration of their lives. I come from an area that was subject to many boundary reviews. We were in and out of the Monaghan and Louth constituencies on a regular basis. I got to know Seymour in relation to health services and Deputy Mattie McGrath mentioned his guidance in relation to water schemes. I was very appreciative of that and I want to put that on the record.

I would describe Brendan McGahon as a man of his people. Others have said he was not afraid to say what is on this mind. While one might not have been in agreement with everything he said, he was certainly colourful and outspoken and often held controversial views. He did not care what others thought if he knew and believed what he said was right.

While he was not of my political stand, it was said of him that he got on well with everybody and I witnessed this for myself. As young person coming into Leinster House as a member of the Fianna Fáil national executive, he never failed to make sure that there was food available to me in the restaurant. Indeed, the memories of him in Dundalk will go back to him frog-marching from his constituency clinic to the town hall on a Monday morning with his constituents following him like a real leader solving the problems of the people. As Deputy Howlin did, it would be remiss not to make reference to the lineage of the McGahon family from T. F., O. B., Hugh, Conor, Johnny, who is here, to Johnny's father, who served on the local authority. I will conclude by saying that having served with Conor on Louth County Council, it was always a privilege to work with him and I wish his nephew, who will try to continue that dynasty, every success, once he does not take my seat in Louth.

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