Don Lydon (Fianna Fail)

Now and again someone comes along who is a bit special and who, in the words of Senator Dardis, enriches the lives of those with whom they come in contact. Kate Walsh was one of those people because one could not meet her or interact with her without coming away feeling a little better. She had a great sense of humour. She loved a good yarn and many a good yarn I traded with her. I can imagine what she would be saying if she were sitting at the back of the House today listening to us. A word used by many speakers to describe Kate is one not heard too often these days — lady. People said she was a lady and we all know what we mean when we hear it. She was a lady and the lady has left us. May she rest in peace.