Seanad debates

Wednesday, 12 June 2024

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

 

10:30 am

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is both my profound joy and sadness this morning to pay tribute to and thank a person who has minded us for 22 years here in Leinster House. I am talking about our good friend, Martin Murray, who will retire on Friday. Martin has been an extraordinary friend to many of us in this House. He has always been kind, caring, stern when he has had to be, but always very professional. I have grown to know and admire him over the years, and he is a person I have great time for. For the information of both Members and those in the Public Gallery, he had a previous career in newspaper journalism and editing and was an avid boxer and footballer in his youth. I am told by his friends among the ushers and others that he hopes to spend his free time, if he has free time, with his daughter Aisling and his two granddaughters Elsa and Ava. As Members know, Martin has a huge travel bug for going to Malta and he hopes to spend time there. I say both personally, and as Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, many thanks to him for what he has done for us in Leinster House. I wish him enjoyment of his retirement and he must not be a stranger to us. Go raibh míle maith agat.

I welcome guests of Deputy Michael Ring from Crossmolina, County Mayo. They are Eithne Cosgrove and John Cosgrove. I congratulate John, who is an All-Ireland dancing champion. Comhghairdeas. I also welcome Tom Cosgrove and Marian McDonnell, their nana. I welcome them all and thank them.

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