It is with feelings of profound regret that I have to announce the death of our colleague, Senator Johnny O'Leary. Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam.
At our last meeting he was here amongst us and, to all intents and purposes, he appeared to be his usual self. While we all know that he had been in indifferent health for some time past, nevertheless, his passing was most unexpected.
From his earliest years, the late Senator displayed a deep interest in the trade union movement and it was as a member of the Labour Party he first entered public life. He took a prominent part in the affairs of his native county and was, for some years, Chairman of the Wexford County Council and also of the Enniscorthy Urban Council. In addition he was a member of the Wexford County Committee of Agriculture and the County Vocational Education Committee taking a very particular interest in the latter.
In 1943, he was first elected a member of Dáil Éireann in the Labour interest and remained a member of that House until 1957 when he was elected a member of Seanad Éireann on the Administrative Panel.
A forceful and vigorous speaker, he was most zealous in his parliamentary duties both as a Deputy and as a Senator. He rarely missed a meeting of the Seanad or the Dáil when he was a member of that House. During his years as a public representative, he devoted his time and energy unsparingly to the welfare of the people in national and local spheres. Of a kindly and humorous disposition, he was popular with members of the Oireachtas of all Parties.
To the widow and relatives of the late Senator, I shall convey on your behalf and on my own, our sympathy and appreciation.
Senators rose in their places.