Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

It is a great honour and privilege for me to propose a vote of thanks to the grand secretary of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, Mr. Drew Nelson. I thank him for the sincere and thought-provoking contribution he made in the House today. It is important for me to acknowledge the presence of the grand master, Mr. Edward Stevenson, and the deputy grand master, Rev. Alistair Smyth. The British ambassador to Ireland, Mr. Dominick Chilcott, is also most welcome here. We are very honoured to have him present. The US ambassador to Ireland, Mr. Dan Rooney, is also in attendance. A former Senator and colleague, Dr. Maurice Hayes, is also in the Visitors' Gallery. I also welcome the following: the County Donegal grand master, Mr. David Mahon; the County Monaghan grand master, Mr. Robert Sturgeon; the County Cavan grand master, Mr. Henry Latimer; the County Leitrim grand master, Mr. Joe Morton; the public relations officer of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, Mr. Austin Hunter; and Rev. John Deane from County Donegal.

I will conclude these brief remarks by mentioning some historic connections with south-west Cork, which I represent. I refer particularly to the famous Doheny's club in Dunmanway. I am proud to acknowledge the presence in the Gallery of Ms Dorothy Beamish and her two sons, Keith and Roy. They are very welcome. Many people might not be aware of a small bit of important history. The grand secretary who is in attendance and who has been made most welcome has a west Cork connection that is worth putting on the record. I understand that his grandfather, Mr. Frank George Beamish, came from the townland of Acres near Dunmanway. There are still relations there. I understand that a photograph of this gentleman continues to adorn the old family home. He was the principal of the Model School in Dunmanway. He was appointed a national school staff inspector in 1912. He had six children - two girls and four boys. One of his sons, George Beamish, was a famous rugby player and a flight lieutenant with the RAF. Another son, Victor Beamish, was also an RAF flight lieutenant. Many of their relations are still living in Acres near Dunmanway. I understand - I am subject to correction - that one of the Beamishes played international rugby.

Frank George Beamish is buried in a family plot at St. Mary's church, which is still being used to this day. A famous Irish patriot, Sam Maguire, is buried in the second next plot to the Beamish plot, where the grand secretary's grandfather is buried. I hope my county will lift the Sam Maguire cup on the third Sunday of September. We have a rugby connection, a GAA connection and a west Cork connection. Could there be a better way of concluding my vote of thanks than by acknowledging the strength and depth of the historic connections in the area where I live? We have lived peacefully with our Protestant neighbours in the area for many years. I am pleased to say that the Model School was refurbished substantially in the last decade, thanks to the Fianna Fáil Government of the time. Go raibh míle maith agaibh.