John Dolan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for not being here to hear all the tributes. I knew of Rory Kiely. I never met the man but I knew him to see. I am speaking on behalf of the Civil Engagement Group, members of whom probably knew less about the man than I did. Having said that, I want to focus on two things, namely, a lifetime of service to the common good and to the public good. Having listened to the comments, I have the impression of a man who was not full of himself and who was, I suspect from what has been said about him, good company. I am a rural person from west Tipperary and Rory was from Kilmallock in County Limerick, which is not too far away. I get a sense that he was engaged locally in the community through politics and sport, in particular. Senators have mentioned his sterling and long-standing commitment to the GAA.

Nobody can do those things on their own and that is where family, friends and support come in. The people who are behind the veil and not in the public space in the same way are the makers or breakers of somebody's public participation. I say that to underline the part families play very quietly but consistently over the years.

Rory's period as Cathaoirleach of the Seanad coincided with what was, in many ways, a high-water mark for people with disabilities in Ireland because of two Bills that came through this House at the time. There was the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 and the Disability Act 2005. There is no doubt that Rory Kiely, as Cathaoirleach, had a hand in and an important part to play in ensuring the Acts were well steered through the Upper House.

I know many of the people in the Visitors Gallery. A fair few of them were fellow travellers of Rory on the political stage. That the Visitors Gallery is full is a great tribute to the man. Not all of those in the Visitors Gallery are from the Fianna Fail family, which says a lot about him.

Many people do not become household names but are the backbone of political and civil life in this country and in other countries. Rory Kiely was one of them. He played an invaluable role in political life and political service. May he rest in peace and may his family have the comfort of knowing the part he played in Irish political life.