Seanad debates

Friday, 17 December 2004

Tributes to Head Usher of the Houses of the Oireachtas.

 

11:00 am

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)

I wish to be associated with all these fine tributes to Paddy. The applause following them confirms the respect he commanded in this House which was second to none. He was always in good humour, always had a smile, and it was a pleasure to meet him. He established a high level of professionalism in his job. Senator Brian Hayes mentioned his youthful appearance and others mentioned his achievements on the football field. I am involved in a masters hurling team in Limerick, which I think won the all-Ireland this year. Dublin won the football. Paddy would be very useful on this masters team which would help to keep him fit for the future and where I am sure there would be a place for him. He will also have time to pursue his other great sporting activity, golf. I do not play golf and do not known much about handicaps but I am sure he will have plenty of time to improve his handicap now.

On a personal note, I have a daughter who is a civil servant. She worked in the Department of Justice and Paddy's daughter Orla worked with her and they became great friends. My daughter, Aileen, is in Limerick but every time she visits Dublin her first call is to Orla Behan. They have developed a friendship which is hardly surprising knowing their two fathers.

We will miss Paddy's smile but we will probably see it somewhere. I wish him, his wife Kathleen, his son Simon, and his daughters, Orla, Niamh, Aisling and Aoife the best of luck for the future. I thank Paddy for his great help. The tributes to him have been fine and deserving, the like of which I never witnessed in the House.

I extend season's greetings to all Members of the House. I thank the Leader of the House, the Deputy Leader and the leaders and whips of the various groups for their hard work. I also thank the Superintendent and the Captain of the Guard and their staff, including Paddy Behan to whom we have paid glowing tributes, Dessie Edwards who is also retiring, and Frank Lane who retired earlier in the week. I thank the broadcasting and reporting staff, the staff of the Houses, and members of the press for their attendance and coverage. On behalf of Members I thank the Clerk, Deirdre, and the Assistant Clerk, Jody, and other members of the staff in their office for their guidance and assistance. I also thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach and the Acting Chairmen for the many hours they spent in the chair.

I wish everyone a relaxed and peaceful Christmas.

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