Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

He will be all right. As Mark's neighbour and a family friend, it is important to say that the Killileas and Canneys were always great friends and they still are.

Everybody talks about his political agility, his political wit and so on, but what I remember most about Mark Killilea was that he was a neighbour and a friend. When we were up in Bob Scales's land every summer, he was there and he never offered us anything other than advice. When I was in Fianna Fáil, he was always a good friend and when I left Fianna Fáil, he still gave me advice, which was good. He never had animosity towards anybody. He was a good friend to everybody.

From the point of view of Belclare, we have lost someone great in that we have lost Mark Killilea. Corofin has lost someone great.

What lives on is his memory and all the stories that go with that. Last week, we talked about the late Jackie Healy-Rae. Who originally referred to the common person who ate their dinner in the middle of the day is a dispute that will carry on but I think Mark would win the battle there. I am delighted I got back in time to say a few words. It is great to see everyone from Belclare and Tuam.

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