Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I wish to express my sympathy to the wife, family and friends of the late Senator and Deputy, John Francis Conlan, who spent four years in this House. He served his county, constituency and country in an exemplary fashion for many years.

John Conlan was returned to the Seanad at the beginning of his national political career when he stood for the industrial and commercial panel. He leaves a wife and two adult children. I remember him well from his time in the Dáil from 1982 until he lost his seat in 1987. He was a quiet unassuming person dedicated to his community and remained an excellent community worker throughout his life. He lost his county council seat in 1999. Mr. Conlan was true to Ballybay and his wider constituency. He was very involved in the GAA and community activities. By all accounts he was an exemplary person, quiet and unassuming, but confidently working for his constituents. His passing will leave a great void, not just in his family, but in the wider community which he continued to serve with great diligence. On behalf of the Fianna Fáil Senators, I express our condolences on his passing.