During the Recess, we were all shocked by the sudden death of Deputy Michael Donnellan. Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam.
The late Deputy's interest in national affairs began at an early age. While still a very young man he joined the Irish Volunteers and during the War of Independence he took part in several actions with the East Galway Brigade. He was active in local affairs for many years, first as a member of Glenamaddy Rural District Council and later of Galway County Council, on which he served until 1948 when he relinquished his membership on his appointment as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance.
The late Deputy was first returned to the Dáil in the General Election of 1943 and was successful at each General Election since. From 1948 to 1951, and again from 1954 to 1957, he was Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance.
Deputy Donnellan represented his native county and province on the football field and he will long be remembered by his fellow countymen as a great sportsman.
Of a genial disposition, well liked as a personality by all Parties, he was a worthy public representative. Concerned always for the interests of the farming community, his contributions to our debates were forceful and well-informed and revealed his zest for political life. He will be sadly missed by all members of the House and by his constituents in whose interests he worked so tirelessly.
I would ask you, a Cheann Comhairle, to convey to his widow and family the deepest sympathy of Dáil Éireann.
Members rose in their places.