During the Recess members of the House learned with profound regret of the death of one of our most esteemed colleagues, Senator William Robert Fearon. Although in failing health for some time past, his passing was nonetheless unexpected and came as a shock to most of us.
The late Senator had a distinguished medical, scientific, literary and political career. He was a Senior Fellow of Trinity College, Dublin, where he held the Chair of Biochemistry—a Chair which was created for him on account of his brilliance and distinction in that field of knowledge. He had an international reputation as a biochemist and a textbook which he published on that subject has run into many editions. In addition to other published works, he also contributed numerous articles to various scientific journals. As a consultant and research worker he was widely known and his services were availed of by many learned and scientific bodies. His special interest, however, lay in the study of nutrition and its effects upon human health. As a result of his brilliant work many distinctions were bestowed upon him such as the Honorary Professorship of Chemistry of the Royal Hibernian Academy, the Fellowship of the Royal Institute of Chemistry and the Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland.
Senator Fearon was first elected to Seanad Éireann in 1943 as one of the three representatives for Dublin University and he continued to be a member of this House until his untimely death. Of a quiet, retiring and kindly disposition, his personality and great sense of humour endeared him to all with whom he came in contact. Although a rather diffident speaker, his speeches were noted for their incisiveness and witty presentation. His breadth of vision, clarity of mind and aptness of phrase always made his contributions to debates stimulating and listened to with respect.
In Senator Fearon, we have lost a public man whose worth and integrity were widely appreciated and whose passing will be keenly felt by the members of this House.
To the relatives of the late Senator, I wish to convey on your behalf and on my own our sympathy and appreciation. Solás Dé lena anam.
Senators rose in their places.