James Bannon (Fine Gael)

As a fellow county man of the late Senator, I join with the Leader and others in expressing my sincerest sympathy to his family. I have a family connection to the late Senator, whose daughter Mairead is married to a cousin of mine. He was a dedicated family man who took a great interest in the welfare of those around him. He took particular interest in science, education and agriculture, the last of which was a great love of his. He farmed all his life on the Longford-Leitrim border where things were tough and he was a vocal promoter of agriculturalists. He was involved in the establishment of the much acclaimed Moyne Community College and he was a member of Leitrim County Council from 1942 to 1955.

Patrick O'Reilly was first elected to this House in 1944 and returned in 1948, 1951, 1954, 1957, 1961 and 1965. He retired in 1969 after contesting the election which his family often tell me he lost by one vote. He sat on the agriculture panel and was extremely popular in his local area where his quiet, unassuming manner was acknowledged by all who met him.

Paddy knew every lane and road in counties Leitrim and Longford, both of which he served in the course of his political life. He took a keen interest in community activities and was very involved in the GAA. He took great pride in his nephew, Colm O'Rourke, who played for Meath and whose achievements on the field Paddy would honour by presenting you with a glass of whiskey whenever you went to visit. Paddy was a gentleman and a kind and caring person. He is survived by his wife Una and his six children, Maura, Una, Claire, Mairead, Therese and Sean, to whom I offer my sincere sympathy. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.