Seanad debates

Wednesday, 25 April 2007

Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy.

 

3:00 pm

Photo of Ann OrmondeAnn Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I also wish to be associated with the many tributes this afternoon and express my sadness at the sudden and untimely death of Senator Kate Walsh. As all Members knew, Kate was a beautiful person. She was lovely, sincere, loyal and had great warmth. She was a listener and anyone with a problem could go to Kate and come away feeling well. This is how I remember Kate. I could never pass her in the corridor without stopping to exchange a few words. All Members rush around and do not have the time to say anything to anyone, particularly during the past 12 months. However, Kate was a person who made one want to be in her company.

She always gave to others and never thought of herself. One could feel that she simply loved being in this House and being with people. I am not surprised she received such a colossal vote in her election in Celbridge. I remember calling to her home after her election as a county councillor and that was the first sign for me. After she opened the door, I stated who I was and she made me feel welcome and at ease. An old line in the book states that how a person receives one when one calls to his or her house is a real test. In essence, this is how I knew Kate. I always left her company feeling good and that is what I will always cherish about Kate. I extend my sympathy to her brother John, to Noreen and Ann, as well as to the Progressive Democrats, on the awful sadness and loss caused by Kate no longer being with us.

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