Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As we come to the end of the decade of centenaries, which started in 2012, we have celebrated the major facts of history such as Home Rule, the Land Acts, the 1913 Lockout, the 1916 Rising, the struggle for Independence, the Civil War and the foundation of the State, which have all been part of that decade of commemoration.

This afternoon, I wish to raise the story of Seán Hales, a west Cork Deputy who, on his way to Dáil Éireann on this day 100 years ago, unfortunately, was assassinated. He was one of only three Deputies or Members of Parliament who ever lost their lives in such a way. It is right and proper that we should acknowledge that poor man and the struggle that he had all of the way through. He was involved in the Civil War, in particular, was a brigadier-general in the Army and was, effectively, Michael Collins's number two all of the way through the struggles themselves. On his way to Dáil Éireann to, ironically, watch the counting of the votes for the first Seanad at just before 3 o’clock, he lost his life. Next Sunday afternoon, at 2 o’clock, there will be a commemoration happening at the bridge and monument in Bandon where we are expecting a significant crowd. A great deal of work has been done by the committee and by the people of Bandon in acknowledging a true patriot in so many ways. He was a native of Ballinadee and is buried in Innishannon with his mother and father, as he was not married, but Bandon was the nearest big town. A significant monument was built to him at the bridge in the 1930s and the bridge is also known as the Seán Hales bridge. The people say that the monument looks over the bridge and that Seán Hales protects it.

It would be appropriate, today of all days, 100 years later, that we should acknowledge this centenary in this House of the Oireachtas. It is important that I put on the record that as this is the decade of centenaries, that we have dealt with this event in a true an appropriate way. Seán Hales was a west Cork man, the first Member of the Oireachtas to lose his life in such a way, and is a person for whom I have a deep understanding as to how hard he worked for the State. He lost his life for it and we sit in these Houses today because of him. This Oireachtas itself, and its buildings, are there because of what so many people did before. I wish to have that acknowledged and put on the record. Anyone who is available and has the opportunity to come to the commemoration at 2 o’clock next Sunday will be more than welcome. We are expecting a significant crowd. The Army will be there, the "Sliabh na mBan" will be on display and the Minister for Defence will give an oration for this great patriot of Ireland. I thank the Chair.