This is our first meeting since the death of His Eminence Cardinal O'Donnell. Only three years ago all Ireland rejoiced at his elevation to the Cardinalate. In his short tenure of a great office he had endeared himself to all his countrymen, alike to those of his own faith and to those whose religious views were different from his. Much was expected of him, of his kindliness, his wisdom, his statesmanship. Now we mourn for his death. He was a Prince of the Church, a true representative of our people, bearing a name which shall be for ever honoured in our annals, sprung from a Gaelic stock, proud of his Irish language, never despairing of the destiny of the Irish people. I ask you, Sir, in the name of the Dáil, to convey to Dean Quinn and to the relatives of the late Cardinal an expression of our sympathy in their sorrow.
Deputies then rose in their places as a mark of respect to the deceased Cardinal.