During the week-end Deputies learned with deep regret of the tragic and untimely death of Deputy John O'Connor. Go ndéanfaidh Dia trócaire ar a anam. Though he was a comparative newcomer to Dáil Éireann, having been elected for the first time at the last general election, he always took a deep interest in national affairs. As a youth he joined the Volunteers and during the War of Independence he took part in many engagements in his native county. Since 1948 he was a member of the Kerry County Council and for a time was chairman of that body. He was also chairman of the Kerry County Committee of Agriculture and of the Kerry Vocational Education Committee. The interests of all his constituents were his abiding concern.
The late Deputy O'Connor represented the constituency of North Kerry and during his comparatively short term in the House he endeared himself to everybody with whom he came in contact. He was a big man, in every sense of the word, and was not afraid to give his views whether in this House or in private. Sincerity, integrity and a deep love of his native country were his outstanding characteristics. His loss will be keenly felt both by his constituents and by the members of the Dáil. I ask you, a Cheann Comhairle, to convey to his widow and relatives the sympathy of Dáil Éireann.
Deputies rose in their places.