Ollie Crowe (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There is sadness across Galway today, which has been mentioned by a couple of Members. I ask the Leader to arrange an expression of sympathy for the late Noel Treacy. I will provide some context and background. Noel was a political giant in Galway and was successful in every general election. He ran in eight in total, which is a reflection of his appetite for hard work and the esteem in which he was held by his constituents. He first won a by-election to Dáil Éireann in 1982, one of only two in the past 40 years that the Government succeeded in winning. He was an able and capable Minister of State across a number of Departments. More importantly, I knew him as a kind and genuine person. He was interested in people and put people first. You had his undivided attention and he made a significant impact in this House and across his political life. He held a deep and passionate interest in the GAA, especially his club, Pádraig Pearses, and went on to serve as five years as chairman of Galway GAA.He was utterly dedicated to people and communities. On a personal level, when I entered politics in 2009 he was a fantastic support to me. I remember his passion and his very helpful advice.. He was an orator. As outlined by Senators O'Sullivan and Murphy, I always got from Noel that his family came first. There was nothing more important than his family. He was a real Galwegian and a great educator. I send my sincere sympathies to his wife, Mary, his four children, Joan, Emer, Lisa and Rory, and the extended family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm.