Maurice Hayes (Independent)

Ba mhaith liom focal pearsanta a rá. Bheadh Andy O'Brien molta dá mbeinn im' thost. Bhíomar le chéile ar Chomhairle Uladh beagnach 60 bliain ó shin. Bhí ard-mheas agam air mar fhear macánta. Fear ann féin ab ea é. Dhein sé a chion féin ar son na gcluichí, ar son an Chabháin agus ar son na tíre.

Speaking after Senators Wilson and O'Brien, I hope Members do not see this as an attempt at an Ulster coup d'état. I sat with Andy O'Brien almost 60 years ago as a member of the Ulster Council of the GAA. He came from Cavan, which had won almost 40 Ulster championships, while I was from a county of football nobodies at the time. He was most kind to me and showed me the ropes. You, a Chathaoirligh, know better than anybody how convoluted the ropes of GAA politics are.

He was a many sided man. The great thing about him was that when GAA matters got boring he would talk about drama or teaching. He was a great man and great company. He made a great contribution to Irish life and he should be a role model. He remained firmly earthed in the soil of Cavan and never lost touch with his roots. He was as highly thought of in County Down as in County Cavan. I extend my sympathy and respect for him to his family.