Noel Coonan (Fine Gael)

Is mór an ocáid bróin dom rún comhbhróin a mholadh do bhean David Molony, Eve agus a bheirt mhac Conor agus Pádraig. Bhí néal mór ar Durlas Éile agus Contae Thiobraid Árainn nuair a chloiseamar an droch-nuacht.

David Molony was a friend, colleague and mentor. During his time in this distinguished House and Dáil Éireann he represented the people of his native Thurles and County Tipperary and muintir na hÉireann uilig with conviction, courage and distinction. His gentle demeanour, independence and clarity of thought were attributes that endeared him to the hearts of the people of north Tipperary. As has been said, he was an excellent parliamentarian and always well briefed on his subject matter. His sharp intellect and keen sense of humour ensured he was an effective communicator who got his message heard and could fight every issue to the end. These attributes ensured David left his mark on Dáil Éireann as a courageous and outspoken legislator. He served on many parliamentary committees and was a member of the New Ireland Forum. He was generally regarded as conservative on economic matters but liberal on the social agenda, which he fought with a rare conviction that sometimes got him into difficulties with the Establishment.

David was widely respected by his colleagues on all sides – party and non-party – and there is no doubt he is a huge loss to Fine Gael. One can only speculate as to what the north Tipperary, or national, political landscape might be today had he not decided on an early departure from Dáil Éireann to pursue his legal practice. It is certain, however, that his loyalty and commitment to the Fine Gael Party remained unflinching and steadfast. During the recent traumatic events experienced by Fine Gael in north Tipperary, while others walked away, David remained actively and proudly involved with the party and acted as an excellent director of elections for me in the recent election.

David achieved much in his short life, but it was not all work and no play. As might be expected of a Thurles and County Tipperary native, he had a keen in interest in all sports, especially hurling. He was a former amateur jockey, had a great love of horseracing and was an owner and breeder up to his death. He was also a sailing enthusiast and a most gregarious individual who, as his wife Eve describes, loved to party. He will be missed by us all but not forgotten.