Francis O'Brien (Fianna Fail)

I join in the tributes paid to the late Andy O'Brien who I knew for the past 30 years. I always enjoyed his company when I met him at different conferences, football matches and other events in Cavan. His passing is a great loss. He enjoyed a long life. His wife and family will miss him most. He was a wonderful support to the Fine Gael Party. There is no question he was a Cavan man first and last which the Cathaoirleach knows only too well through GAA circles. As a Monaghan man, I knew it too. Many a good story was told by Andy about the rivalry between Cavan and Monaghan, both in politics and the GAA. He enjoyed being a member of the vocational education committee, Cavan County Council for 44 years and the Seanad for 18 years. His was a wonderful life and he was a wonderful man. To his family, on my behalf and that of Fianna Fáil, I extend our deepest sympathy. May he rest in peace.