Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In paying tribute to the late Rory Kiely, I welcome his family, Vincent, Roderick, Mairéad and Aileen, his sister, Eileen, and his extended family. I also welcome his former colleagues. I know there is great cross-party support in the Gallery. It is great to see so many people here today to pay tribute to Rory.

I knew Rory from a very young age as my late father was a city councillor in Limerick. Even though he was of a different political party, he was a regular caller to my father and was always assured of a preference down the line. They were great friends over many years through both politics and the GAA. My father had a public bar in Limerick. When Rory was in the city, he often came in. The bar had a manager, Fintan Coleman, who was a South Liberties man. Rory came in for double abuse because he used to get into battles over both politics and GAA. They had great banter and I think my father sometimes used to be the referee between the two of them.

Rory was always a thorough gentleman, a really loyal person and totally sincere. In 2007, the year Rory retired, when I received my first nomination for the agricultural panel, I remember meeting Rory and he wished me all the best. He said he hoped he would see me in Seanad Éireann one day. I was unsuccessful then, but I was elected in 2016.

I have fond memories of meeting Rory at GAA matches and especially Limerick matches. I know how passionate he was about his own Feenagh-Kilmeedy club and Limerick GAA. He was a great stalwart up in Croke Park. When the Limerick club functions took place, Rory would always be there to the forefront. He was such a pleasure to meet at matches. He had great knowledge and passion. Politically we often had discussions when I met him at a funeral or other events. He was very knowledgeable and a great ambassador not just for Limerick but nationally as well, as has already been mentioned.

GAA was his first love and he was very dedicated to it. Senator Paul Daly and others referred to his love of horse racing. He was an example of a true politician. I was very sad when I heard of his passing because I had only met him shortly before that and he was in great form. I have very fond memories of him. May Rory Kiely rest in peace.