Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

He then proceeded to entertain the gathering for 45 minutes.

Andy O'Brien was an elected public representative for more than 44 years. He was a public representative until the day he died. He was an honest, hard-working and funny man. He was a founder member of the Cavan drama festival, former president of the Ulster council of the GAA and, until his death, president of County Cavan GAA. He was affectionately known to everyone as "The Master". He was principal of Crubany national school for more than 40 years. He was highly regarded by the Cavan community and further afield.

When we paid tribute to the late Tom Fitzpatrick, I pointed out that we Cavan people do not like the Monaghan people and they hate us. Andy was very familiar with that too. I had the honour of proposing him for the Vodafone "passion for the world around us" award. The photograph of him receiving the award, which I will treasure for ever, is on my sitting room wall.

To his family, Colm, Niall, Fidelma, Malachy, Brian, Myles, Madeline, and his wife, Mollie, I express my deepest sympathy. I know Mollie will continue the tradition of the open house in Crubany. I extend my sympathies to the Fine Gael Party. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.