Ivor Callely (Independent)

I join with my colleagues in their expressions of sympathy on the death of Joe Doyle. I salute the good life he lived. It was my good fortune to enjoy his friendship and I have fond memories of him. I first got to know him following my election to Dublin Corporation in 1985. Even though we were on opposite political benches, he struck me during my early days as a warm, genuine and good man. As most Senators know, various appointments to authorities were made within a few days of the election. My good friend and colleague, Senator Butler, mentioned the ERHA, the predecessor of which was the eastern health board. Joe and I were appointed to that board in 1985. Following our membership of the corporation and the health board, Joe and I shared conversations three to four days per week. We shared many common interests. Joe influenced some of my decision making in my early days in politics.

Arising from his childhood, he had a devoted love for his late mother, who was widowed at a young age. He also had a deep faith, which reflected the life of my late father, a sacristan in our local church. Joe and I shared common themes. He would speak fondly of his childhood days in the cottages in Donnybrook. If I remember correctly, his mother's landlord was a Jewish man for whom Joe had the height of regard. Joe told me some great stories about that time in his life.

Joe gave a significant commitment to Dublin Corporation, the eastern health board, the ERHA and both Houses. In the passage of time, I also came to know his beautiful wife, Peggy, and had a great regard for the outstanding support she gave him and the manner in which he acknowledged it. He was an extraordinary, kind and compassionate man who loved his family, city and constituents. He had a particularly deeply felt social concern for the less well off in society who greatly benefited from Joe's input into this city. This is a time to reflect, to mark the sad loss and celebrate the extraordinarily good and successful life of Joe Doyle.