Seanad Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Mar 2003

Vol. 171 No. 15

Death of Former Member: Expressions of Sympathy.

Ms O'Rourke

I extend sympathy to the family of the late Senator Patrick O'Reilly who passed away last week at the fine age of 93 years. He was a Member of the Seanad from August 1944 to August 1969 and served on the Agricultural Panel. He served in seven consecutive Seanads under Governments of various political persuasions, yet was returned to office each time.

Mr. O'Reilly was a native of Aughavas, County Leitrim, where he was a farmer. He then moved to Farmullagh, Moyne, County Longford. None of us seems to have definite information on him but it is wonderful that he served continuously in the Seanad for such a long time. All of us who have contested Seanad elections know how difficult it is to be elected once or twice. However, to be elected on seven occasions is remarkable.

It appears Mr. O'Reilly was a most avid attendee at debates in the House and spoke frequently on various matters. From what I have read, he was deeply committed to health issues. Reading what he said provides one with a picture of the period during which he served in the House. He spoke strongly about tuberculosis on three separate occasions and about wishing to secure a higher average attendance in the Seanad on a debate on the subject. That occurred over 50 years ago, which is interesting. I am not implying anything in saying this but he must have been a very good public representative and very assiduous. Moreover, he had strong views on speeding on our roads.

Ms O'Meara

The Taoiseach should take note.

Ms O'Rourke

He said, during a period when speeding was not as pronounced as it is today, that it was not fair to say motorists were the most dangerous road users, that pedestrians were equally dangerous. He also spoke forcefully on agricultural issues. In practically every debate on these issues his was the strong voice.

I sympathise with the family of the late Mr. O'Reilly who had a daughter who worked in Oireachtas committees and has been seconded to the Department of Social and Family Affairs. He had other family members also. Having served in seven Seanads on the Agricultural Panel over a period of 25 years is indicative of great service to the State, the House, the people of counties Leitrim and Longford and all others whose lives he touched. I express the sympathy of the House at his passing.

Mr. B. Hayes

I wish to associate the Fine Gael Members with the remarks of the Leader of the House on the death of former Senator Patrick O'Reilly. He ceased to be a Member of this House in August 1969, the month of my birth, which is why my recollection of him is not as clear as the Leader's.

Ms O'Rourke

I never met him.

Mr. B. Hayes

He was clearly a substantial figure in the House, having come through seven successful elections to give long-standing service exceeding 24 years, a record nearly as fine as that of the Cathaoirleach.

Ms O'Rourke

The Senator is not usually one for the compliments, but he is giving them out today.

Mr. B. Hayes

My colleague, Senator Bannon, has told me that Senator O'Reilly was much loved in County Longford, which was not his native county, and he was noted for his service to the community there. As the Leader said, it is rightly our normal practice to recognise the contributions of former colleagues to both Houses and it is clear from the speeches she quoted that Senator O'Reilly was ahead of his time in terms of the policy arguments he made and the positions he took.

I wish to associate my party with expressions of sympathy to the Senator's family and to his Fianna Fáil colleagues. He represented the very best traditions of public service within the Fianna Fáil party and it is proper to remember him on this sad occasion by recording our sympathy at a difficult time for those who knew him. After 93 years, he can be said to have lived a wonderfully full life which contributed a great deal to politics.

Mr. O'Toole

My recollection of August 1969 is also hazy as I was I was trying to find my way from the Bronx to Woodstock. There was a haze over me.

Mr. Norris

Which the Senator inhaled.

Mr. O'Toole

I never knew the late Senator O'Reilly, but it is proper to recognise commitment to public service by recording our appreciation of his endeavours in this House over 24 years. At a time when we are trying to attract people to politics, which is held in lesser and lesser regard by the public, it is important to single out role models. The Independent Members wish to associate themselves with the expressions of condolence to Senator O'Reilly's family and to recognise his contribution to the House. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Recently I read in Irish Press reports from September 1946 that there were 36 road deaths in July and August of that year. It was, in fact, a much bigger problem then than it is now.

Mr. Ryan

The Labour Party also wishes to be associated with the expressions of sympathy. I was struck by the Leader's references to record of the House which can be used to identify the qualities of someone whom none of us really remembers. As with Senator O'Toole, 1969 was a major time in my life. It is said of the 1960s that if you can remember them, you were not there. I cannot remember where I was in the summer of 1969, but I remember a certain election slogan I will not mention which promised something that did not materialise.

A person who gives 25 years of public service is, by definition, somebody who is worthy of respect and remark. It is a long time, but after that the former Senator O'Reilly experienced another 34 years of life. It is a great tribute to him. To give 25 years of diligent service in the pursuit of serious issues is the sort of fine model of citizenship the country needs. On behalf of the Labour Party, I express our wish to be associated with the sympathies of the House to the late Senator Patrick O'Reilly's family.

Mr. Dardis

On behalf of the Progressive Democrats, I join with the other groupings in the House to express sympathy to the family of the late former Senator, Patrick O'Reilly. His achievements have been enumerated by the Leader, as has his remarkable 25 years of continuous service in this House. It is significant that he volunteered to leave early and at a relatively young age. He was elected when he was young and after serving for 25 years he went on to do other things at a time when I suspect the pensions were not as generous as they are now.

Ms O'Rourke

He got married.

Mr. Dardis

He also served at VEC and other local authority level. His history of public service was significant and ought to be saluted by the House. The Progressive Democrats express their sympathy to his family, his party colleagues and his friends.

Mr. Bohan

As a Longford man, I extend my sympathy to the O'Reilly family. While I was born and reared only a few miles from the home of the late Senator, I never had the pleasure of knowing him. Given the difficulty of getting into this place for even one term, 25 years of service is an outstanding achievement.

Mr. Bannon

As a fellow county man of the late Senator, I join with the Leader and others in expressing my sincerest sympathy to his family. I have a family connection to the late Senator, whose daughter Mairead is married to a cousin of mine. He was a dedicated family man who took a great interest in the welfare of those around him. He took particular interest in science, education and agriculture, the last of which was a great love of his. He farmed all his life on the Longford-Leitrim border where things were tough and he was a vocal promoter of agriculturalists. He was involved in the establishment of the much acclaimed Moyne Community College and he was a member of Leitrim County Council from 1942 to 1955.

Patrick O'Reilly was first elected to this House in 1944 and returned in 1948, 1951, 1954, 1957, 1961 and 1965. He retired in 1969 after contesting the election which his family often tell me he lost by one vote. He sat on the agriculture panel and was extremely popular in his local area where his quiet, unassuming manner was acknowledged by all who met him.

Paddy knew every lane and road in counties Leitrim and Longford, both of which he served in the course of his political life. He took a keen interest in community activities and was very involved in the GAA. He took great pride in his nephew, Colm O'Rourke, who played for Meath and whose achievements on the field Paddy would honour by presenting you with a glass of whiskey whenever you went to visit. Paddy was a gentleman and a kind and caring person. He is survived by his wife Una and his six children, Maura, Una, Claire, Mairead, Therese and Sean, to whom I offer my sincere sympathy. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Mr. Leyden

I wish to associate myself with the expression of sympathy proposed by the Leader and supported by all sides of the House. Mr. O'Reilly was an extraordinary man, a humane and intelligent person who had a broad vision of life in Ireland. I offer my sympathy to his wife, Una, his five daughters and only son. His daughter, Una, lives in Roscommon town where I come from. She is carrying on the family tradition in Fianna Fáil politics.

An Cathaoirleach

I wish to be associated with the expressions of sympathy and tributes paid to the late former Senator Paddy O'Reilly who retired in 1969, the year Senator Brian Hayes was born. I also have memories of 1969, the year I unsuccessfully contested a Dáil election. When canvassing for election to the Seanad, I was offered the example of Paddy O'Reilly who always asked for a No. 7 preference vote. Whatever about No. 7, he always received plenty of No. 1s because he was elected. I offer my sympathy to his wife and family.

Members rose.