Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

Is mian liom fáilte a chur roimh Bríd agus clann Uí Dhóláin. Ba mhaith liom mo chomhbhrón a chur in iúl dóibh, ach ag an am céanna ba mhaith liom mo bhuíochas a chur in iúl don chlann ar fad. Mar a dúirt an Seanadóir Ó Tuathail, níl aon amhras faoi ach gur thug an clann an-tacaíocht i gcónaí do Shéamus i ngach rud a dhein sé. Níl aon amhras faoi freisin ach gur thug sé an dea-shampla dúinn go léir. Fear díograsach, dílis a spreag sinn uilig chun a bheith dílis dár bhféiniúlacht náisiúnta a bhí ann.

Ag dul siar ar bhóithrín na smaointe, bhí daoine cosúil le Séamus Ó Dóláin i gcónaí ann agus sheas siad an fód in am an ghátair. Ní dóigh liom go raibh an Ghaeilge ná an cultúr riamh i mbaol an fhad is a raibh daoine cosúil le Séamus ann. Mar a thuigeann muid, tá stádas faoi leith ag an gcultúr sin i láthair na huaire, ach ní bheadh an stádas sin chomh láidir ach amháin gur thug daoine cosúil le Séamus Ó Dóláin faoi, gur dhein siad iarracht agus gur thug siad gach cabhair do ghach eagras a bhí ag saothrú an chultúir Ghaelaigh. Ag an Fleadh Cheoil sa Chabhán anuraidh, bhí ainm Shéamuis Ó Dóláin i mbéal an phobail mar thug sé an-cabhair do Chomhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann nuair a bunaíodh an ghluaiseacht sin siar i 1951. Chabhraigh Séamus gach uair go raibh cabhair ag teastáil agus bhí a fhios ag na daoine a bhí ag freastal ar an bhFleadh Cheoil go raibh an scéal sin amhlaidh.

A few years ago, I had the privilege of being invited to Cavan to make a presentation to Séamus on behalf of his colleagues and friends. On that occasion, I realised the great affection that existed there for Séamus. It was evident that locally as well as nationally, people appreciated the great effort he had made down through the years. It is important to state that it was not always easy to make those efforts and an element of selflessness and sacrifice always was required. Sacrifice was required on the part of the family as well. Having met Bríd and the other members of the family I saw they all worked as a team on all occasions.

Later today we will debate the commemoration of 1916. We all refer to the leaders of 1916 and the great men and women who participated in that great historic event. Séamus Dolan was that type of person as well. People of his generation made no apology for being Irish, having a distinctive culture of our own and taking a stand whenever it was necessary.

Many tributes have been paid to him as a member of the Oireachtas and the role he played at national level in other forums. I always think the impact any individual makes within his or her community is the greatest test of a person. If one is a prophet in one's own land, one has done what the people require. I have no doubt that in the future his name will always be remembered whenever our national identity is centre stage. Is mian liom mo chomhbhrón a chur in iúl don chlann. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal dílis.