Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the 16 Members for their contributions on the Order of Business. I join them in welcoming iar Teachta James Breen and his family to the Gallery. I also welcome our delegation of Chinese visitors. Cork is twinned with Shanghai. I hope the connectivity between Ireland and China will continue to grow and develop.

Today is a very sad day for us as we have lost a friend and former colleague in Rory Kiely. I did not have the pleasure of serving with him in the House but I served with him on the Munster council where he was chairman. He was a trustee of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael and, as many have said, he was a man of many parts. He was a rogue and a character. He was a friend and he was full of life. We had a many a great night with him and many a great day following the GAA. As Senator Ned O'Sullivan rightly said, he was a good man to dispense a bit of information about horse racing and horses as well. One of the greatest days of his life was being elected to this House. He was elected by a very short number of votes. When he became Cathaoirleach it was a day of great joy for him and his family. I had the pleasure of knowing his son, Vincent, who also ran for the Seanad at one time.