The House will have been shocked and saddened to learn of the untimely and unexpected death of Deputy Seán Casey.
Seán Casey was interested in public affairs since boyhood. His concern for the welfare of the less fortunate members of the community was deeply and sincerely felt. He had served for 17 years as a member of Cork Corporation, and his selection three times as Lord Mayor of the city was a measure not only of his own personal popularity but also of the esteem and respect in which he was held by all his fellow citizens. He was, as the House knows, Lord Mayor on the occasion of the visit to Cork of the late President Kennedy. Through the dignified manner with which he discharged his duties on that historic occasion, he did credit to himself, shed lustre on the high office he held and brought great honour to his native city.
In this House, he gave special attention to matters concerning transport and power but all his contributions to our debates were well-reasoned and well-informed. Of no one could it be more truly said that he dedicated himself to the services of his own people, to the pursuit of the objectives at which he constantly and tirelessly aimed and to the furtherance of the beliefs he so sincerely held.
For myself, the death of Seán Casey is a personal loss. We both first contested a Dáil election at the same time. Even though politically opposed, we were always close colleagues and firm friends.
Our hearts go out to his widow and family on their tragic loss, and I would ask you, a Cheann Comhairle, to convey to them on behalf of the members of the House our heartfelt sympathy. I bhFlathas Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Members rose in their places.