Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte is fiche roimh uachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, an tUasal Seán Ó hÓráin, agus a chlann. Tréaslaím leis ar an óráid shuimiúil a thug sé dúinn um thráthnóna. It is a great privilege to welcome the president of Cumann Lúthcleas Gael to the Seanad. It is an historic day. I congratulate the Cathaoirleach, the Leader and all those who made the necessary arrangements. It is amazing that such an event has not happened before. I am very glad that it is now taking place and that I am part of it. I welcome the many distinguished guests from the world of Cumann Lúthcleas Gael, many of whom are also involved in politics, which is no surprise because those involved in the GAA are patriots. They love their country and wish to play a part and give service. In spite of the calumny heaped on politicians, that is also what we try to do.

There has always been a great relationship between the GAA and the national spirit in Ireland, going back to the founding of the GAA in 1884. The GAA was always in step with the forward looking nationalist Ireland and the nationalist movements at the time. Last Monday we commemorated 100 years of Dáil Éireann. Many Members of the First Dáil such as Michael Collins, Harry Boland and some Members who were in jail gained their nationalist spirit from their involvement in the GAA.

Although I welcome all of our visitors, I will be forgiven for picking out my neighbour and great friend, former Deputy John Cregan. He had a very successful career in politics which culminated in his appointment as Government Chief Whip. When he left politics, he went back to County Limerick and, hey presto, all of a sudden they won their first all-Ireland title for 45 years. One must give John Cregan, with many others, credit for that achievement.

The chairman of Tipperary County Council, Mattie "Coole" Ryan, is in the Visitors Gallery. His brother Paddy, a great GAA historian, brought out a book last year, the title of which, Cuttin' or Atein' the Bushes, reveals the ferocity of parochial hurling in Munster.

One of the greatest memories of my youth was being brought to Croke Park for the first time at the age of ten years in 1962 for the All-Ireland semi-final between Kerry and Dublin which, thankfully, Kerry won. I will always remember climbing the high concrete steps at the back of the Hogan Stand, emerging from a tunnel of darkness and looking down on the beautiful green sward of Croke Park with flags flying, Dublin in light blue and, of course, our beloved green and gold. It is said Mick O’Connell played his greatest game that day. We went back to Croke Park in September and beat Roscommon to win the all-Ireland final. A Listowel Emmets clubman of mine, the late Garry McMahon, scored a goal within 35 seconds, which is still an all-time record. The Cathaoirleach quoted his great father, Bryan McMahon, in his excellent speech.

For me, this is a day to thank the GAA from the bottom of my heart for all it has done for the country and the fabric of our society which it has helped to mould. I see the thrill I experienced in Croke Park in 1962 being replicated in my grandchildren. I have two young grandsons, Pádraig and Éanna, who love going to matches with us. The thrill they get from watching their teams play is something one cannot buy.

As I stated, the GAA has given a lot to politics. In my county Austin Stack, Dan Spring, Jimmy Deenihan and Seán Kelly were involved in both the GAA and politics, as was Henry Kenny in another county and, of course, as the Cathaoirleach pointed out, the greatest of them all, Jack Lynch.