James Heffernan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I echo the comments made by Senator Landy. Today, we have witnessed the retirement of one of the greats of Irish sport. Nobody in any code will match the feats of Henry Shefflin. It is incumbent on the State to devise an honours system for people who have represented their counties or country at the highest level of sport. Henry Shefflin is a legendary figure. He won the player of the year award three times. He has ten all-star awards and all-Ireland medals to beat the band. I do not think he will be matched. While he was a fantastically gifted and skilful player, he did break a few hurleys along the way.

That leads me to calling for a debate on the situation regarding the ash dieback disease, which is a matter I raised in the Seanad many moons ago with a previous Minister. Neither the Government nor clubs and county organisations grasp the scale of the ash dieback disease and the potential it has for hurleys, hurley makers and the native ash species. I am aware of some hurley makers who are importing ash from Scandinavia. Ash dieback has become a major problem across Europe. I know of other hurley makers as well who manufacture hurleys in Poland. I congratulate the Minister of State, Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, on organising the PolskaÉire festival this week, which was a tremendous success in showing solidarity and celebrating the positive impact Polish people have had on Irish society. Last night, I was very happy to take part in a football match involving an Oireachtas selection against a Polish selection.