Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Go raibh maith agat a Sheanadóir Ó'Clochartaigh. Ar son gach ball den Seanad ba mhaith liom ádh mór a ghuí ort ar an ócáid mor seo. Is mór an trua dúinn go bhfuil tú ag éirí as do phost mar sheanadóir. Tá a fhios agam gur comhghleacaí agus cara iontach thú i rith an tréimhse a chaith tú anseo i dTeach Laighean. Gan trácht ar an léargas agus an cineáltas a léirigh tú agus tú ag labhairt sa díospóireachtaí san teach seo. Ag an am céanna, ní mór dúinn a aithint gur athrú an-dearfach duit féín agus do do chlann atá ann agus go bhfuil tú ag tnúth leis an tseans chun do cheangal leis na healaíne agus saol an chraolacháin a leathnú.

On a personal level, I am sad that Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh is leaving the Seanad. It is an unusual occurrence that two Senators are leaving within three months of each other. They became friends of mine during the years. Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh has been a huge asset to this establishment. His dedication to his work and compassion have been incredible and, at times, passionate. I am aware that he actually grew up in Huddersfield. In my younger days I emigrated and spent some time in London to try to make a few bob to pay my way through college. Therefore, I understand what it is like to move on. Seven of the eleven members of my family emigrated at some stage, four of whom are still abroad. The Senator came back and made a life here with his family. I welcome his family to the Chamber. I am sure they will be delighted to have him back also. After many years, when I decided not to run again for the Dáil for the seventh or eight time, my daughter posted on Facebook that she had her father back again. The Senator's family will reclaim him again and he will be a huge bonus to TG4 which is a successful channel with which I link frequently. I do not have Sky or any of the fancy channels. The Senator might impress on TG4 its importance to people living in rural Ireland in showing Gaelic games - hurling and football - and some rugby games. It also shows club games, which is very important. I hope this coverage can be continued. It galls me when I want to see a hurling or football match and I have to pay to view it. I hope we can put a stop to this because it goes against the grain and hurts deeply that we have to pay a company based in another country to watch our native games. I wish the Senator every success. Some time, when I frequent the Aran Islands or Connemara - I love going to the west - I may impose on him to have a coffee. Mar fhocal scoir, ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil leat as do seirbhís mar Seanadóir agus sonas a ghuí ort don todhchaí.

With those few words I ask the Leader to respond to what has been a rather elongated Order of Business which I allowed in order to pay tribute to a good Gaeilgeoir and a friend to us all.