Francis O'Brien (Fianna Fail)

I wish to express my sympathy with the family of the late Séamus Dolan. Séamus Dolan was a gentleman and while I did not serve with him, I knew him for many years. He was a personal friend whose company I always enjoyed. I always enjoyed meeting Séamus, Bríd and members of his family because there always was good humour and crack and of course Fianna Fáil always was at the heart of the conversation. Many speakers have referred to Séamus Dolan's loyalty to Fianna Fáil, to farming and to his teaching career. He spent 45 years as a teacher, 30 years on Cavan County Council, as well as a number of years as a Member of Seanad Éireann, where he reached the highest post in this House, namely, that of Cathaoirleach. It is a wonderful honour for any Member to receive from their colleagues and as Senator Wilson stated, Séamus Dolan represented the Seanad and the country at different forums with distinction. He was a gentle, decent and kind man. I express my deepest sympathy to his wife, Bríd, and to the immediate and extended family. May he rest in peace.