Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am privileged to lead the tributes today to the late former Senator Bernard McGlinchey, who passed away in April. I express my sincere sympathies and those of the House with all his family and friends, who I am sure miss him dearly. Bernard served in the House for 21 years from 1961 to 1982 on the industrial and commercial panel and the administrative panel.

He also served as a nominee of the Taoiseach on two occasions.

As a Senator, Bernard once spoke for 12 hours on the Livestock Marts Bill 1967 in this Chamber, which is a record for the longest contribution in a debate in the Seanad. Bernard was a champion within the Fianna Fáil Party, serving as a councillor and contesting Dáil elections on the party's behalf. Bernard was very much admired by his constituents in his home county of Donegal. Alongside his fruitful political career, he was also a successful businessman, perhaps best known for his venture in the Golden Grill nightclub in Letterkenny, which I understand was a significant landmark on the Donegal social scene. As a businessman, Bernard contributed significantly to his area, something for which he will be remembered fondly and which is acknowledged in Letterkenny, where the town park was named after him.

I extend my sympathy once again to his family and friends, and to his Fianna Fáil colleagues. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.