Rónán Mullen (Independent)

Ní thógaidh mé i bhfad. Ba bhreá liom chomhbhrón a dhéanamh le mháthair Kieran Phelan, a bhean chéile, Mary, agus le Martina, Brenda, Fiona, Patrick agus Noah. I did not know Kieran very well but like others who are relatively new to these Houses, I could fairly describe him as having a gentle reassuring presence. There was something especially warm about the man and about the way he would greet one with his smile. Frequently, I had short chats with him. I was not here very long and we did not have the opportunity, unfortunately, to have many long conversations.

The day of his passing was truly shocking. I remember it very well and very clearly. It was a reminder to us of the transience of all things human, that the joys of life are transient and, it is to be hoped, so too the sorrows of life. I had to be away then but I was very glad I was able to return for his funeral in his home place. I say this for selfish reasons because, like today, his funeral was a celebration of the best in Irish country life and community life. When I arrived at the graveyard I found myself among many people waiting because it took a long time for Kieran to arrive because so many people were present. I remember distinctly the view from the graveyard as people waited. It was a funeral that was celebrated with fitting dignity and respect for the man. That respect for him is very much evident here today in the contributions that people have made.

People often state to the university Senators that it is very difficult for us to get elected but if we are honest, we know there are more difficult elections, and elections to the vocational panels are certainly very difficult.