Peter Callanan (Fianna Fail)

I join with the tributes being paid to the memory of the late Joe Sherlock. I can only endorse the fine words which have been expressed about him. Without going into repetition I can say that Joe Sherlock was a man with a mission who served his people well. He took pride in this for as long as we were together on Cork County Council. My colleagues from Cork County Council will understand that when Joe Sherlock started a sentence with "By Christ, Chairman", council members and the county manager would know very well he meant it.

My comments on Joe Sherlock would be rather personal but I endorse everything said about him tonight. I served with him for many years on Cork County Council and a person who serves that length of time as a public representative endorsed by the people election after election has something special. He represented the people well.

I recall when he became ill a number of months back and he rang me to discuss the problem, which we did. I called to his house and we talked about it. He bore his illness well and with great distinction and courage. The moment of greatest joy for Joe Sherlock was when his son, Seán, was elected and took the seat in the constituency. I will finish by stating that one of the first telephone calls I received when I was elected to the Seanad recently was from a man called Joe Sherlock.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.