Since the adjournment of the House, we have learned with deep regret of the death of Neal Blaney, Deputy for East Donegal. Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam.
Of a quiet, kind and courteous disposition, he endeared himself to members of all Parties, and was held in high esteem.
Deputy Blaney was first elected to this House in 1927. Except for the years from 1938 to 1943, when he was a member of the Seanad, he continued to represent his native county until his death. During his membership of the Oireachtas he carried out his Parliamentary duties with zeal, and was most attentive to his constituents, who, I am sure, will feel his loss deeply.
Besides attending to his work as a member of the Dáil, he was associated with the public affairs of his county, to which he gave his earnest attention.
He joined the Volunteers in 1914, and, throughout the fight for independence, he rendered sterling service to his country. In his later years, when the call came during the emergency, he took a leading part in organising the auxiliary defence services.
I ask you, a Chinn Chomhairle, to convey to his widow and family the sympathy of Dáil Éireann.
Deputies rose in their places.