Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Dolan for his contribution and his awareness raising around World Down Syndrome Day. I have the pleasure of calling my uncle Seán one of my closest friends.He brought such wonderful joy to the Warfield family and everyone he met. My fondest memories with Seán are standing on the banks of the Camac in Inchicore watching St. Patrick's Athletic.

Before I mention Derry City, Senator Dolan's contribution reflects the need for a diversity of voices in this House. As a League of Ireland fan, I extend my sincere sympathy to the family of Ryan McBride, to Derry City football club, and to everyone who has called the randy Brandywell home.

I also convey my deepest sympathy to Bernadette and the broader republican family on the death of Martin McGuinness. Martin was a colossus of contemporary politics and a committed activist throughout his life. His political activism started in his youth. At 21 he witnessed the shooting of 26 unarmed civilians on the streets of his city, Derry, and from that period onwards Martin McGuinness spent his lifetime opposing occupation and fighting for self-determination. His pivotal role within Sinn Féin alongside Gerry Adams as a persuader for peace among republicans was truly remarkable. He had conversations which would lead to that peace being realised, to the Good Friday Agreement and to a legal and political pathway opening for the achievement of Irish reunification. That was Martin's vision. That was his aisling. In public life Martin was one of the most kind and gentle figures I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Senator Black mentioned his poetry and his love for Seamus Heaney, and little did I know as I picked up a copy of North on Parnell Street yesterday that we would wake to such sad news today. Martin's love of the arts extended to music, and he was always extremely supportive on that front, including to musicians like Senator Black. I express my condolences to Bernie, Fiachra, Emmet, Fionnuala and Grainne. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.