Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

I wish to honour the distinguished career of the late, great Séamus Dolan. He was a member of Cavan County Council for more than 30 years and served the people of the Belturbet electoral area with distinction before moving on to national politics in 1961, when he was elected to Dáil Éireann. Between 1965 and 1981, apart from a brief interlude, he was a Member of this House and achieved the highest honour any Member can achieve when he became Cathaoirleach, which entitled him to be a member of the Council of State and the Presidential Commission as well as other honours to which that office entitles its holders.

Séamus Dolan was only 12 years old when Fianna Fáil was founded, but he remained a loyal member of the party until his death in August of last year. I recall, as a young boy, attending Fianna Fáil meetings throughout County Cavan at which Senator Dolan was a prominent contributor. He proudly showed a Fianna Fáil membership card dating from soon after the party was founded. At the last meeting he attended of the Belturbet comhairle ceantair, when he was accompanied by Séamus Óg and Bríd Óg, he again very proudly showed that membership card. He was a proud Irishman, a great farmer and an excellent schoolteacher for more than 45 years. He served the people of his locality, his county and his country with distinction.

Again, I extend my sympathies to Bríd and to all her family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.