Mark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I think all colleagues would join with me in welcoming great friends of Richie Neal here tonight, including Dave, Christina, Pat and Stephen Keeney. The Keeneys are from Springfield but they have the distinction of having the first ever fundraiser for Richie Neal when he was running for city council.Everyone is your friend when you are at the very top but when you are starting out, it is very hard to find friends. The Keeneys were Richie Neal's supporters when he ran for city council, became the mayor of Springfield, and became a member of Congress. He is, as we all know, has been very supportive of Ireland all the way through the peace process 25 years ago and up until today. I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to welcome the group to Seanad Éireann for this occasion. I wish them all the best on their visit here to Ireland and thank them for being here.