Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)

I wish to be associated with the tributes to the late Andy O'Brien. He was a Member of this House from 1969 to 1987. He had the unusual distinction of being elected to Seanad Éireann on three different panels, which is a record that is unlikely to be equalled. He was elected on the agricultural, administrative and labour panels.

His political career has been well enunciated in the tributes but it was through his work in the GAA that I knew him best. He was a former president of the Ulster Council and served on the Ulster Council. At the time of his death he was president of the Cavan county GAA board. He was an avid fan of Cavan football and one of his proudest moments was probably when Cavan won the All-Ireland in 1947 in Gaelic Park, New York.

Aside from politics, he had many varied interests. He had a love of all things Irish, particularly history and culture. He regularly mourned the demise of Irish rural customs and traditions. He was an excellent conversationalist, witty and entertaining. He was never happier than when sitting with a group and telling political anecdotes and jokes. I had the honour of serving with the late Senator O'Brien in this House. He was a thorough gentleman. Of course, we had the GAA in common when talking. He was highly respected, most humorous and had a wide circle of friends across the political spectrum.

I extend my sympathy to his wife Mollie and his sons and daughters, especially Madeline who is continuing the political tradition of the O'Brien family in the Fine Gael Party.