Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

Is mian liom tréaslú leis an Seanadóir nua-thofa, Niall Ó Brolcháin. Fáiltím roimhe mar Sheanadóir. Níl aon amhras faoi ná gur duine cumasach agus díograiseach é. Chruthaigh sé go maith mar Mhéara Chathair na Gaillimhe - thaispeáin sé a chuid misnigh nuair ba ghá. Tá mé cinnte go mbeidh na tréithe sin chun tosaigh chomh fada is a bheidh an Seanadóir anseo linn.

Is mian liom freisin mo chomhbhrón a chur in iúl do mhuintir Mhic Mhathúna ar bhás Ciarán. Fear uasal ab ea Ciarán Mac Mathúna. Dhein sé sár-obair ar son an cultúr Gaelach. Níl aon amhras faoi ná go bhfuil an náisiún go mór faoi chomaoin aige. Ciarán Mac Mathúna was an exceptional Irishman. He was one of nature's gentlemen. He travelled to far-flung corners of this country to discover the hidden Ireland. He uncovered many treasures of tradition and talent. He gave local communities a sense of pride in the wonderful heritage they inherited from previous generations. He inspired the nation at large to be curious and to take an interest in a culture that is steeped in antiquity. He brought to the fore many people who became household names thereafter. The Irish nation owes a huge debt of gratitude to Ciarán Mac Mathúna. He can take credit for much of the recent international admiration of Ireland's culture, including its traditional music, because he sowed the seeds for it. He gave subsequent generations a bountiful harvest. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. I would like to express my sincere sympathy to his wife, Dolly, and his family.