Paddy Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I extend my sympathy to Rory's sister, Eileen, and family, and welcome all the family members to the House. It was a great honour to have known Rory Kiely. He was a very affable man and as previous speakers said, he was very loyal to this House and its Members. He was also very loyal to his party, Fianna Fáil, and was a great loss to it when he passed away. He liked to travel and often did so. I knew that well as I was his Leas-Chathaoirleach and had to deputise for him when he was away on his many great missions. He had a great love for the GAA. He was chairman of the Limerick county board, a member of the Munster council, a member of the central council of the GAA, and a trustee of the GAA. Anyone who raised matters relating to the GAA while Rory Kiely was Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann came under the full wrath of the former Senator. He never allowed GAA issues to be debated in this House. It may have brought him into contention due to the many All-Ireland tickets he used to get and give out to councillors around the country.

Rory was a very fair Cathaoirleach and was fair to me as Leas-Chathaoirleach as well. He was fair to the Members and gave each of them fair time. All I can say about Rory Kiely is that, based on my observations from serving with him, he was a very fair and loyal man. One can see that from the many Members of the House who are present today, the many Members of Dáil Éireann in the Public Gallery, and the many past Members as well. In my years in this House, I have never seen as many past and present Members of both Houses attend the expressions of sympathy for any late former Member. It is great to see Donie Cassidy, Geraldine Feeney, Dermot Fitzpatrick, Fiona O'Malley, Batt O'Keeffe and John Cregan joining us today for the expressions of sympathy for our great friend Rory Kiely. He was loved by all and always commanded great respect in this House. He set very high standards, not only for himself but for all Members of this House while he presided as Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann.