Over the week-end, Deputies were shocked to hear of the sudden death of Deputy Thomas Walsh. He was deservedly popular in this House, and his loss is deeply regretted by the members of all Parties. We shall miss the forthright expressions of opinion of a man with such an intimate knowledge of farming and such a clear understanding of farming problems. His constituents, too, will sadly miss a representative who gave them such sterling service.
Throughout his life, Deputy Walsh never failed in devotion to national ideals or in practical work for the general good. His manly vigour was displayed, in his youth, on the hurling and football fields; and he continued, to the end, to take an active part in the fostering of national games. At the time of his death, he was the chairman of the Kilkenny Board of the G.A.A., and he was a former vice-president of the central council of the association.
As a farmer who had equipped himself with up-to-date knowledge of sound agricultural methods, Deputy Walsh gave practical example of the value of those methods on his own farm.
In public life, the late Deputy was a prominent and respected figure. He gained useful experience in local affairs as chairman of the Kilkenny County Council. He was a Senator from 1943 to 1944, and he became a member of this House in 1948, when he was elected as one of the representatives for Carlow-Kilkenny. From 1951 to 1954 he occupied the important office of Minister for Agriculture.
In Deputy Walsh, we have lost a public man whose worth and integrity were appreciated not only by the members of his own Party but by his political opponents as well. Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam.
I ask you, a Cheann Comhairle, to convey the sympathy of Dáil Eireann to his widow and his family.
Deputies rose in their places.