Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for the opportunity to welcome to the House this afternoon the Killilea family, including his wife Anne, members of the extended Killilea family and Mark's close friend and colleague, Tom Craven. Mark Killilea was affectionately known to us in Galway East, and probably to many more across the country, as "Markeen", or if one was bold about it, one would ask, "Where's Killilea?". Mark was a legend. His name and deeds went before him and the tales we have heard today are all true. I was only a child when there was talk of the telephones Deputy Grealish referred to, but people were lucky if they got a telephone because then they knew they were in with Mark. That telephone gave them great hope.

Mark Killilea was friendly, popular and well-respected across all parties. He was a giant, not only in Galway politics but nationally and internationally. He held positions across the political spectrum, from councillor on Galway County Council, to Deputy, Minister and MEP. He always brought the same level of enthusiasm and dedication to all his work. As a public representative, he always worked hard for the people he represented or, to borrow the famous phrase, the people who ate their dinner in the middle of the day.

He did not have a Facebook or Twitter account during the many elections he contested. It was the family members, connections and respect he built up over the years that elected him. It is not easy to go out and get elected, particularly as he and Anne had eight young children at one time. The length of time he served at various levels has to be respected. Many of us would love to mirror that in our political careers. Now that we have Facebook and Twitter, we have a short pass to getting elected in some regards but Mark had to do it the hard way, as did many of his colleagues.

Mark was integral in reshaping the Irish telecoms network following his appointment as Minister of State at the Department of Posts and Telegraphs under Charles Haughey. I am sure he would have some interesting words to say on the broadband fiasco today. As a farmer, beef producer and silage contractor, Mark knew the many challenges facing farmers around the country, and he brought his experience to bear on the European stage when elected MEP for the Connacht-Ulster constituency. Mark played a key role in reforming the Common Agricultural Policy, ensuring small farmers received greater and fairer payments.

With regard to Mark's private life, we heard earlier about his love of golf but he also had a great love for Ballyconneely. He loved the Ballinrobe races and, above all, he loved Corofin GAA.

That is where he spent time with his family and where many of his family memories were created and they are still talked about to this day. His young grandson, Shane, talks about going to Ballyconneely and he asked my son to join him for a weekend there to do some swimming. That is what memories are about. There was also talk about Ballinrobe races. Shane is not joining us here today but I hope later in Irish college they will listen to what Deputy Micheál Martin, our leader, said. The teacher might test them on translating it very well.

Not only is Mark greatly missed by his wife, Anne, and his family he is also missed by the Fianna Fáil organisation in Tuam where he spent a long time and spoke great words of wisdom and offered direction. I was one of the people who benefited from Mark’s words of wisdom. I visited him about three and a half years ago in Caherhugh House, where he sat me down and gave me a cup of tea. When Mark gave you a cup of tea he also gave you words of wisdom, and you listened eagerly because he was setting you on the right path. That half day I spent with him in Caherhugh House where he gave me direction set me on the right road to contest a general election. I will be ever grateful to Mark and his family for sharing that space.

We remember fondly today Donagh, Anna, Tess and their baby, Mark junior who was born today, and also Niamh, who is not with us. They are here with us in spirit and I have no doubt they are listening in. It is important to say that Donagh is a chip off the old block when it came to sharing words of wisdom and knowing how to cut a deal but one would always have to keep a good eye on him at the same time because the trickery and jovialness of the Killileas is still there.

Mark Killilea and his role in Irish politics will be remembered forever. He was a legend in his lifetime but he will continue to be a legend after his passing.

See this speech in context