Francis O'Brien (Fianna Fail)

I thank the House for allowing me to speak about the late John Francis Conlan. I grew up as a neighbour of his and knew him all my life. God rest his soul. There are many stories and much has rightly been said about the late John Francis Conlan in the House this morning. He was a true gentleman. I express my deepest sympathy to his wife Lily, son Seán, daughter Marie Therese, sister Kathleen Carraher and brother-in-law, Bernard Carraher, from Ballybay and all his family and relations.

John Francis was born in 1928 and began his public life at the early age of 22 by joining Ballybay Town Commissioners, which he served for almost a half century, 49 years. He joined Monaghan County Council in 1955 where he served until 1999. I served 20 of those years with John Francis on Monaghan County Council from 1979 to 1999.

His commitment to the people of Castleblaney in his immediate electoral area, and all his constituents in Cavan and Monaghan, was immense. It was untold what the man did for poor people throughout those years. He was elected to the Seanad in 1965, served in the Dáil from 1969 until 1987 and worked hard for the people of his constituency. As was already stated this morning, he was a quiet, hard-working, decent man — a true gentleman and one who could always be approached. He had a pub and grocer's shop in Ballybay and everyone was welcome to bring their problems to John Francis — one's political persuasion did not matter because he worked for everyone. He received as many Fianna Fáil votes as Fine Gael votes in the Castleblaney electoral area in local elections and throughout the constituency in Dáil elections.

John Francis was a unique man. He was highly respected in this House and was probably one of the most respected Oireachtas Members of his time. It was wonderful to hear Oireachtas Members and staff who served with him during his terms speak so highly of him. I mourn his passing. I enjoyed the 20 years during which I served on Monaghan County Council with him. He had a wonderful sense of humour. May he rest in peace.