Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Mar chomh-Thiobraid Árannach, is mian liom mo bhuíochas a chur in iúl do Jody Blake. Níl aon amhras faoi ná gur thug sí an-chabhair agus an-tacaíocht dúinn anseo i gcónaí. Is cinnte nach mbeidh a leithéid arís ann.
As a fellow Tipperary person, I would like to express my appreciation of Jody as Clerk Assistant of the Seanad. I have often marvelled at her demeanour and stamina when the House sat for long hours and the courtesy she showed us at all times. Her lack of arrogance was immensely important. There is no doubt that Jody and Deirdre are an exceptionally dynamic duo, both of them with Tipperary connections. In a way, they underline the calibre of people who come out of Tipperary. It has been often said to me by people looking back on the records of others, including the background from which they came and so on, that an ounce of breeding is better than a tonne of feeding. In this case, that is particularly true. I believe that Jody in many ways epitomises all that is best in public service. It is important to reflect on that also. Very often the spotlight is on the Oireachtas and both Houses. Even in the most exciting or over energetic debates held in this House, there was always a sense of calmness at the top table, which permeated down to Members of the House.
I was not a Member of this House during all of Jody's 23 years here. Twenty-three years in terms of look-back on bóithrín na smaointe seems like a short period. All of the service provided during that time was given in a quiet way. That one could seek and be given advice at any time helped to bring cohesion into the House. It is understandable in a House of Parliament that things can become somewhat confrontational. We always need people to throw oil on troubled waters. There is no doubt that Jody Blake did this. As a virtual neighbour in Tipperary, I have no doubt I will meet her many times in the years to come. Go raibh rath Dé uirthi i gcónaí. Táimid uilig go mór faoi chomaoin aici. Go raibh míle maith aici.