Is le méala mór a chuala Comhaltaí an Tí faoi bhás tobann an Teachta Bill Loughnane an tseachtain seo caite. Ar dheis Dé lena anam uasal dílis.
Bill Loughnane as a Member of Dáil Éireann for 13 years endeared himself to Members on every side of the House. The most sociable of men, the most enjoyable of companions, Bill Loughnane, through the warmth of his personality, through his unfailing good humour and lively wit, made his own special contribution to the atmosphere here in Dáil Éireann and to the conduct of our business. The soul of kindness and compassion, his whole career as a medical doctor and Dáil Deputy told of his constant desire to help not only the poor and disadvantaged but anyone who sought guidance or solace. His loss to the people of Clare in whose interest he never ceased to work both in his profession and as their representative in Dáil Éireann, his loss to Irish political life and to the promotion of Irish traditional music and culture is great indeed. To his widow and to the members of his family I ask you, a Cheann Comhairle, to extend the deepest sympathy of the Members of Dáil Éireann.