Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I would also like to pay my respects to the late Des Hanafin. I extend my sympathies to his wife, Mona, his daughter, Mary, his son, John, and his grandchildren. Listening to the previous speakers, it is obvious that there is so much respect for the late Des Hanafin. I met him briefly but there are things I remember as a child. He was a Tipperary man, as was my father. I always remember my father saying "He's a diehard Fianna Fáiler or "He's a Blueshirt through and through." He was a real Tipperary man. I always remember my father saying that. There are always things one remembers. We also have the Carlow connection. The Frenches in Carlow are first cousins of mine and the other side would be cousins of the Frenches, so they would have been down in Carlow on a regular basis.

I will always remember Des Hanafin as a very spiritual man. He always had a presence in a room and people listened to him. This speaks volumes about a really good person and a very good politician. Previous speakers mentioned the fact that he spoke so vocally about pro-life issues. That was not easy back in the day, but Des Hanafin always made his mark, which is another thing for which I will always remember him. For his family to have three members serve in the Oireachtas is such an achievement in itself. They are here today to honour a man who be will remembered. Des Hanafin will be remembered. In 30 years' time, his name will come up and people will say "Oh, I remember him. He did great things." We sit here and we pass legislation. Des was here for 30 years and his family can be very proud of the fact that he dad has made such a difference to the people of Ireland.