Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

On behalf of my Labour Party colleagues, I extend my condolences to his family on the sad loss of Mr. Andy O'Brien. I add my voice to the tributes paid to him by Senators O'Rourke, Brian Hayes and O'Toole. I did not know Mr. O'Brien but I understand my colleague, Senator Ryan, who cannot be here today, shared this august space with him. I wish to pay tribute to a long life that was well lived in the service of the people of his county and the country as a whole. It is notable that Andy O'Brien's lifetime spanned that of modern Ireland. He was born in 1915, before the Easter Rising, and lived into the new century. He was one of the generation which built this State in the spirit, as Senator Brian Hayes said, of generous Nationalism. It was not in a strictly party political sense but in a sense of knowing as a teacher, public representative, a member of the Cavan drama festival and other State agencies. That generous Nationalism is the kind of contribution that has made us the State we are now.

On behalf of the Labour Party I thank the O'Brien family for Andy's contribution to the life of the House, his county and the country. He lived a full life and enjoyed himself greatly. From what others have said, he was a great man to be around. Given that he was a teacher, he had a generosity of spirit. It is clear from the presence of his family members in the Distinguished Visitors Gallery that he was greatly loved. He was also greatly loved in his community and this House. While his passing is sad, especially at this time of year, his memory will continue and he has left a great contribution not only for his family and county but for this nation. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.