Seanad Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 May 1977

Vol. 86 No. 9

Death of Cardinal Conway: Expression of Sympathy.

Mr. M.J. O'Higgins

Since we last met, the country has suffered a sad loss by the death of His Eminence, William Cardinal Conway. I am sure it would be the wish of all of us that we should record the deep regret felt by Seanad Éireann on the death of the late Cardinal.

Cardinal Conway was a native of Belfast. He was a man of outstanding academic achievement. In the course of a distinguished career he held the posts of Professor of Moral Theology and Professor of Canon Law in St. Patrick's College, Maynooth. His selection as Cardinal was a source of pride, joy and satisfaction to the whole country. As Cardinal and Primate of All Ireland he displayed the qualities of the truly great. Holding his high office at a time of undoubted difficulty, he gave courageous and faithful leadership without losing his inherent patience and gentleness. He will be remembered as a great churchman, a strong and fearless leader, a talented teacher and a devoted and patient pastor.

I would ask the Cathaoirleach to convey the deepest sympathy of Seanad Éireann to the Auxiliary Bishop of Armagh, the Most Reverend Dr. Lenny, and to the mother and relatives of the late Cardinal.

Mr. Lenihan

On behalf of the Fianna Fáil group in the Seanad I should like to associate myself with what has been said by the Leader of the House, Senator O'Higgins, particularly in regard to the man himself, the late Cardinal Conway, Primate of All Ireland, who, during his period of primacy, in charge of the major church in this island, had to cope with a period of very profound change within the Church itself. He coped with it successfully by combining a degree of realism and humanity in his administration of the Church during its period of change.

Unfortunately during most of that time of primacy one had a period of almost revolutionary political developments causing great sorrow to all of us and he, in particular, must have suffered very intensely during that time which, unhappily, is still with us. At all stages during that development he showed leadership and courage and maintained a sense of dignity, showing at all times his abhorrence of all things violent and at the same time emphasising the basic virtues of peace, tolerance and charity which alone can bring all of us on this island out of the sorrow of the past ten years. He has set an example both within his Church and within the country. He has given spiritual and political leadership. We are very thankful to him for that.

Mr. Harte

My associates in the Labour Party have asked me to join in the remarks on the Cardinal. We believe that despite the trials and the coercive situations which imposed themselves on Northern Ireland society, the great Cardinal showed himself to be a man true to his purpose and loyal to all the people of Ireland, irrespective of creed or class, and that he was very compassionate in decisions which he had to make in very difficult circumstances. We recognise him as a man who was very tolerant and understanding and, as the Leader of the House and Senator Lenihan have said, he has brought something into the present situation in Ireland that will lay the basis for people to carry on in the future by his example.

Dr. West

I know that all the Independent Members of the House would like to associate themselves with the remarks made on behalf of the three party groupings in the House.

Members rose in their places.

An Cathaoirleach

The sympathy of the Seanad and an account of the proceedings today will be conveyed to the Auxiliary Bishop, priests of the Archdiocese, to the Hierarchy and to the family of the late Cardinal Conway.