Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of Sinn Féin, I extend our sympathies to all of Noel's family, to his wife Mary, to his children and to his grandchildren. Looking up at you all here today I have no doubt that his grandchildren were the apple of his eye. A grandad plays a really important role in our lives and especially when we are young. Although he is not here I have no doubt that he will never be too far away from you as you grow up, and no doubt you will go on to make him very proud as a grandfather.

Noel was born in Ballinasloe, a town I am very proud to represent in the Noel's constituency of Galway East, many parts of which I now represent and am proud to do so. I am told, and we have heard it here today, that Noel gave so generously to everything he was involved in, be that politics, the GAA, or his community. While Noel had a deep love for the GAA and served as Galway county board chairman, I know from reading about him that he was especially outspoken in his condemnation of gambling addiction in society and specifically within the GAA. Perhaps, as part of his legacy in this House, it should revisit that terrible scourge on our society and legislate as a House to tackle that. That would be one fitting tribute that all of us in this House could pay to Noel.

Again, I offer my condolences and those of my party to you his family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

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