Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I, too, would like to be associated with the expressions of sympathy on the death of former Senator John O’Mahony. I did not serve with John politically but I knew him for 20 years through my involvement in the GAA. One of the great days I remember was the all-Ireland final between Galway and Kildare in Croke Park in 1998. I also recall being in the canal end of Croke Park when supporting Leitrim in the all-Ireland semi-final in 1994. I remember one of the greatest days of Longford GAA, and we have had few, was when we beat Mayo in the qualifiers. I forget which year it was but the match took place in Pearse Park in Longford town. I think it was the last day John spent as the manager of Mayo.

I spoke to John O'Mahony a number of times to get political advice. He always gave shrewd, measured advice. I met him during my campaign to become a Senator. He was so politically wise and it was a huge loss to the Fine Gael Party when John did not go forward again because he wanted to spend time at home. He got the opportunity to spend his final years with his family. I extend my sympathy to John's family on his untimely death. I thank him for his service in both the sporting and political fields. He was one of life's gentlemen. Nobody would ever have a negative word to say about him.

As the Leader will know, counties Longford, Roscommon and Mayo are now in one Garda area. Our local superintendent, Seamus Boyle, retired on Friday last. I wish him well. He is from Longford and served there for the last number of years.He was extremely proactive in tackling many of the crime families, tackling the drug issues and working with CAB to make sure we take down those families that are involved in causing such damage within our communities. I wish him well on his retirement but also thank him for his service. We want to make sure in Longford, with the reconfiguration which took place, that we have that superintendent role in our county. It would be poor going forward within the Garda Síochána that we would not have a senior officer based in our county. I put that on record and ask that it be highlighted.