Seanad debates

Tuesday, 12 November 2002

Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy.

 

John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Dick Hourigan's death. I shared a similar background to him both in the farming sector and from having served with him on these benches from 1989 to 1992. Dick Hourigan was a formidable figure in Irish agriculture and it could be said that the IFA was, in many respects, a product of his energy and enthusiasm. It is not readily appreciated that he was one of those who tramped through the highways and byways organising the IFA in its early days, but he did so effectively and well. Subsequently, he became a formidable fund raiser for the IFA. Indeed, on one occasion he castigated me for not allowing my grain levy to be deducted for the IFA's coffers, and he left me in no doubt as to my responsibility in the matter.

Mr. Hourigan was an effective advocate in this House for the agriculture industry in general and for farmers in particular. He never lost sight of his farming background which was always to the fore in his contributions to debates. In the latter stages of his membership of the House he suffered an accident from which he never fully recovered. It was with a deep sense of shock and sadness that I learned of his death. I had known him for a very long time. On behalf of the Progressive Democrats I extend sympathy to his wife and family, and to his Fine Gael colleagues. May he rest in peace.

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