Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

One of the most pleasant functions to have taken place in the House occurred yesterday when many of us saluted the great stalwart, Jimmy Walsh, in the private dining room. I salute the fine words spoken by colleagues in tribute to Jimmy. Yesterday's function was proper, correct, fitting and very nice. It was ably chaired by Fionnan Sheahan who was a wonderful master of ceremonies. Stephen Collins, Michael O'Regan, the Cathaoirleach and Senators Cummins and Quinn related wonderful stories and anecdotes. I hope their words were recorded. We heard contributions about Jimmy's accuracy, superb note-taking and wonderful shorthand, all of which is true. His service to the House started more than 40 years in The Irish Press. I loved the story told by Michael O'Regan about Frank Aiken's funeral when all the Haugheyites were lined up on one side and all the Colleyites on the other. Whatever the arrangements were, the press corps deputed Jimmy, as the accurate note taker, to approach Mr. Haughey with the awkward questions about the arrangements and what Mr. Colley - God be good to both men - was to do. Jimmy, who was well known to Mr. Haughey from his role in the Oireachtas, approached and asked the question and Mr. Haughey bent his head and looked at Jimmy through hooded eyes.

Mr. Haughey, who knew Jimmy well, said "Who the - expletive deleted - are you?". Michael O'Regan noted that this was not reported by the press at the time but today, as he pointed out, it would have been emblazoned in full technicolour on the front page of several newspapers, with nothing left out. Mr. O'Regan went on to wonder how The Irish Timeswould report such an incident today and suggested that it might record that Mr. Haughey declined to comment, in colourful language.

They were great stories and anecdotes and I hope that they are recorded, somehow. We have all enjoyed many a cup of tea in the bar with Jimmy Walsh over the years. I was delighted he was presented with lifetime membership and will continue to come in here among us, for as long as we are here. He made a joke himself about whether the Seanad or Jimmy Walsh would be abolished first. He should record the anecdotes and stories, some of which he told yesterday and many more of which he did not have time to tell us. I wish him long life and happiness.