Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach. I welcome the Kiely family to this tribute to their late, great father. I welcome colleagues, past and present, and many friends who have gathered here as well, especially Mary Cowen. I also welcome those watching in, especially our Cathaoirleach, Denis O'Donovan, and as both referenced by the Leas-Chathaoirleach and Senator O'Sullivan, he cannot be here with us for health reasons but will be back very soon.

Rory Kiely was a man of honour and respect. He was steeped in community and public service. As has been said here, without being repetitive, he received the position of trustee of the GAA, an organisation that he loved even more than Fianna Fáil, which is saying something. He and my former colleague from Monaghan, Senator Francis O'Brien, started a tradition of providing endless amounts of tickets for the All-Ireland football and hurling finals to councillors the length and breadth of the country which lasted for three decades. Unfortunately we inherited their great tradition, but unfortunately we did not inherit the suppliers of the tickets. Needless to say, in the weeks preceding both All-Ireland finals we think of Rory and Francie in very fond ways.

I was going through the records of the House recently, and looked at the issues that Rory raised. Like myself, he spoke on very few occasions. Primarily, the main topics he spoke on were agriculture, fisheries, horse breeding and racing, local government funding and greyhound racing. These were among a few other issues he raised for unfortunate constituents.

There are two things that I will never forget about him in his canvassing technique. First of all, he arrived very late at night, probably 11 p.m. or 12 midnight. Time meant nothing to him and he would keep one up until 2 a.m or 3 a.m. with stories, etc. Second, his Christmas card always arrived on Christmas Eve. I do not know how he managed that but it always arrived then.

Colleagues have alluded to the fact that he was a very strict Cathaoirleach with which I can fully agree. On 23 March 2005 he suspended me from this House. I was honoured to be elected in 2002 and to serve with him and it took me some time to get the nerves and confidence built up to speak. By around 2005 I was getting into my stride. During a debate on the M50 toll bridge, I was doing very well when I was told that my time was up. Senator Geraldine Feeney and the late Senator Kieran Phelan were sitting beside me and they encouraged me to keep going and to finish the few words I had to say. I kept going and Rory said:

Senator Wilson must leave the House. He is suspended from the service of the Seanad for the remainder of the day.

That gave my confidence in public speaking a great boost but we remained good friends even after that.

I want to quote the following and it is relevant to today. It a small piece from Rory's address to the Seanad on 12 September 2002, after his election as Cathaoirleach:

It is a great honour and privilege to have been elected as Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann. Elections are a healthy sign of democracy. There are many factors which have culminated in my election today and many to whom I owe my gratitude ...

On a more personal note, each of my fellow politicians is aware of the huge burden placed on the home and family life when one is involved in politics. I have spent many years in politics and the honour bestowed on me today could not have come without the continued and unselfish support and encouragement of my wife, Eileen, and our family. To each of them I say, "Thank you". I am delighted that they sit in the Visitors Gallery today to be part of this wonderful occasion.

Since my election in 1977 I have served under nine Cathaoirligh. Each incumbent had his or her particular style. However, there is a tradition in the Seanad of co-operation rather than confrontation which has served the Seanad well. I intend to continue that tradition. As Cathaoirleach, I will gladly subscribe to any change that will enhance the status of Seanad Éireann and allow all Members to make meaningful contributions to the democratic life of the State.

It was an honour to serve with Senator Rory Kiely.

On 3 July 2007, his final words in this Chamber were during a debate on the Ethics in Public Office Bill when he asked, "When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?" I have no doubt that in heaven above, when he is taking time out from horseracing, that he is conducting the affairs of this Chamber. Until we meet again, Senator Rory Kiely, do not conclude that Committee Stage. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.