During the Recess Senators will have learned with deep regret of the death of our colleague, Senator Denis Farrelly.
Senator Farrelly had been a Member of this House since 1969, and had served as a Member of the Dáil for the previous eight years. In both Houses his charitable and kindly disposition contributed to the esteem in which he was held by Members of all parties.
The late Senator was very active in local affairs. He was chairman of Kilmainhamwood Local Development Association since 1958 and of the Kilmainhamwood Gaelic Athletic Club since 1965. He had been a member of the Meath County Council since 1959. He served as chairman of the North Eastern Health Board since 1971 and had been a member of the Regional Hospital Board since 1972.
As an active and progressive farmer he displayed a keen interest in agricultural affairs. He became a chairman of the Meath County Committee of Agriculture in 1967 having first become a member of that committee in 1956. He became a member of the General Council of the Committees of Agriculture in 1965 and a member of the Executive in 1967. He was also a member of the Irish Farmers' Association.
As a member of the auctioneering profession he was active in advancing the interests of his vocation. He had been a member of the Irish Auctioneers' and Valuers' Institute since 1967 and was twice elected to this House on the Industrial and Commercial Panel.
With the passing of Senator Farrelly we have lost an esteemed and valuable colleague who will be missed by us all.
I have conveyed, on your behalf and my own, our deepest sympathy to the widow and children of the late Senator.
I bhFlaitheas Dé go raibh a anam.
Senators rose in their places.