Mark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the family of Rory Kiely here today for this very special occasion to honour and remember him. We also remember his wife, Eileen, on this occasion.

Rory Kiely was one of those rare people who was a legend in his own lifetime, in that we all heard about him when we were candidates for the Seanad. Those of us in Fianna Fáil and in politics heard of the legend of Rory Kiely and understood that if we could only have a small bit of his magic, we would indeed go far.

He lived a life in many arenas, including politics and sport. Deputy Micheál Martin said on the passing of Rory Kiely that he was the epitome of a gentleman who was widely respected by people of all political hues in every party. We see that today with people from all over Ireland who have retired from politics. Many of them have not been back in this House, but came here specially today to be with the family, and to remember Rory Kiely and what he did for the State.

It was fitting and appropriate that the Cathaoirleach, Senator O'Donovan, was at the funeral to bring forward a copy of the Constitution. One of the few roles mentioned in the Constitution is that of Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann. I know Rory was proud to be the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, as were the Senators proud to have him as their Cathaoirleach - a very strict Cathaoirleach who did not allow much latitude especially when it came to the issue of the GAA.Anybody who mentioned the GAA in any light other than a glowing light in paying tribute to winning teams was not going to get an ounce of latitude. When it came to the issue of him living his life in many arenas, it would be fitting to talk about the idea that he was one of those people who tried and failed, and tried again and succeeded - he was relentless in what he pursued in all arenas of his life. As was said in a description of another politician, he was not going to be among those cold and withered souls who neither know victory or defeat. He succeeded in all areas of his life. We were honoured to have him as a Member of this House.