Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am pleased to have the opportunity to pay my respects to the late John Browne. I welcome, in particular, his family to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery.

John was my immediate predecessor as a Fine Gael Member representing the Carlow-Kilkenny constituency and specifically County Carlow. He was first elected to the Dáil in 1989, almost 30 years ago on 15 June. As has been mentioned, he was a spokesperson on health and justice during that time. Prior to that he served a term in the Senate when appointed by the then Taoiseach, Garrett FitzGerald. He first entered politics when he was elected to Carlow County Council 40 years ago in 1979.

John arrived in Carlow in the 1950s from County Clare as a very enthusiastic teacher, who wanted to use his educational skills to ensure that every child had the opportunity to prosper in life. He spent 27 years as principal of Bennekerry national school. It was in this area that his roots in community activism started to come through. His involvement with the GAA and his love of the Irish language were an important part of this, and he made many contributions as Gaeilge in this Chamber.

At local level, John was considered a Palatine GAA man, but it was with his rival club, O'Hanrahan's, that he won a senior football championship medal in 1961. Once his playing career was over, he cemented himself in the Bennekerry area, in particular the GAA club's many community activities. In 2009, he wrote a history of the Palatine GAA club to honour its centenary. When John retired from politics in 2002, he re-immersed himself in GAA activities. At that time, I was the chairman of the county board in Carlow. He agreed to become the juvenile board chairman for a period of time.

John was an educator and a politician but a community activist by nature. He worked tirelessly all his life for the advancement of others. He was ever generous with his time, support and commitment to the community, country and county. He will be greatly missed by all.

To his wife Nancy, daughters Carmel, Deirdre and Geraldine and son Fergal, and his extended family, I express my sincere sympathies. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

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