Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Leas-Chathaoirleach's tribute was wonderful and emotional. I welcome Rory's family here today. It is a very special occasion for them as the Seanad recognises the work of the late Rory Kiely.He was very proud of his lovely family at all times - his beloved wife, Eileen, who has died, his two sons, Roderick and Vincent, his two daughters, Aileen and Mairead, and his grandchildren. It is also an opportunity to welcome so many friends. Of all the tributes paid to former Members over the years, I have never come across so many friends who travelled from all over Ireland to pay tribute to Rory, particularly the leader of Fianna Fáil, Deputy Micheál Martin, along with Deputy Barry Cowen and Mary Cowen. I thank them for coming here. I wish Brian a speedy recovery. It is a very nice gesture for her to come today.

Rory contested the general election in 1969 and entered the Oireachtas in 1977. He was elected to the 14th Seanad and served here more or less all the time until 2007. He served as Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, which was a marvellous achievement at that time. I had the pleasure of voting for him in the final vote on the day, as I was also a candidate in the election. Nevertheless when it came to the position, I felt that having served so long himself - almost 24 or 25 years - he would make a very good Cathaoirleach, which he did. He was born on 1 May 1934. Senator O'Sullivan and others have outlined what he achieved over his tenure.

Besides his political career, his GAA career is something that should be recognised. He has not been recognised for the work he put into the central council of the GAA and the development of Croke Park. Without his ability and support at that point in time, we would not have the stadium we have today. That is another major tribute to him. It is there as a monument to his work as a member of the central council, a trustee and a prominent member of Fianna Fáil. We were very lucky to have the likes of Rory Kiely diligently working on behalf of Fianna Fáil throughout the country and in Limerick and as a Member of this House. He was a wonderful man who had a wonderful career. He was a wonderful family man, a great Fianna Fáil man, a great Irishman and a great GAA man.