Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I would like to welcome Bridie and the family of Tom Fitzgerald to the House. It is a wonderful tribute to the late Senator Tom Fitzgerald that his family and friends are present in such great numbers. We have had many tributes in this House over the years but this is one of the biggest groups that has ever come before it. It shows the loss of Tom to his wife Bridie and his family. He was a wonderful man. I knew him on the basis of bringing legislation from the other House to this House. As Whip he was always courteous, helpful, supportive and a great parliamentarian.

Tom had a wonderful career. He was a councillor. He was very involved in "Ryan's Daughter". Being a stand-in for Robert Mitchum was a great achievement. They looked quite alike physically. I often spoke to him about that. It was a wonderful period in the life and times of Dingle and the entire peninsula. The contributions are true in regard to the development of Dingle, the marina, Tom's friendship with the late Charles J. Haughey, and his involvement with the Blasket Islands, the Blasket Islands Bill and Inishvickillane.

Tom had a wonderful career and he was a wonderful friend to everyone who served either in the Dáil or the Seanad. He had great knowledge of the marine, Irish life and politics.

When I was in the Department of Industry and Commerce, on one occasion I was in Jury's Hotel, where I believe Tom stayed at the time. I was attending an important function and coming from Roscommon, we did not have too many white shirts at that time. He literally took the shirt off his back and gave me a new white shirt with short sleeves, which I think I still have - it was very good quality. That was an indication of his generosity. That is a true story to show he was open, friendly and generous. I used to have great fun with him after that when I would say he would literally take the shirt off his back for someone. That is as good a tribute as one can pay to anyone. Go raibh maith agat.