Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)

I certainly have very fond memories of Billy. His first cousins were the Kellys from Ardrahan, Brian Kelly and his family, who now live in Limerick. I remember when Billy was appointed, they were all so proud of the fact that he was a Galway man living in America who was being appointed as the Senator for the diaspora. He did an amount of work with undocumented people and trying to get them recognised. It is really important we remember him for the Trojan work he did.

I never took Billy up on his offer of a visit to Chicago. It was just mentioned that somebody was in trouble and Billy was to the forefront in trying to help people. His kindness to everybody right across the House, but also to anybody who ever came in contact with him, will be remembered forever and a day.

As I come from a publican background, Billy asked me to sign the document on drinking on Good Friday.At the time, the Government was not really supporting it so it was difficult. However, we did support it in the end, which is the main thing. Billy certainly put huge work into that. As I say, he will be remembered by all. I am grateful that he touched my life over a number of years. He will be fondly remembered. It is a pleasure to be here today.