Paddy Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to compliment the longevity of Senators Bradford, Mooney and Norris. When I look around the Chamber, I wonder who is going to be here in 25 years' time. It is quite a long time to be in Seanad Éireann.

I did not know Brian Friel but, by all accounts, he was an absolute gentleman of the highest standing. He was a playwright, a storyteller and a teacher. He was born near Omagh, County Tyrone, in January 1929 but ten years later, he moved with his family to Derry. There he was educated at St. Columba's College, following which he spent two years as a seminarian in St. Patrick's College in Maynooth. He trained as a teacher at St. Joseph's College, Belfast, and he began his teaching career in 1950.

While I never met Brian Friel and did not know him, I can assure Members that from the contributions that have been made in the House today, I feel I knew him very well.

I would like to be associated with the tributes to the late Senator Brian Friel, who was nominated to be a Member of Seanad Éireann from 1987 to 1989 by the then Taoiseach, Charles J. Haughey. I extend my sympathies to his wife Anne, his children and grandchildren, his extended family and all his friends here in the Seanad today. The House will observe a minute's silence.