As Leader of the House and on behalf of Fianna Fáil, on the sad occasion of the death of John Boland I wish to extend my sympathy to Kate, John and Grace Boland and their family and friends, to John's brother, Cathal, and to the Fine Gael Party. I knew John very well. What I most remember about him was his passionate commitment to public service to which he dedicated 22 years of his life.
John was first elected to Seanad Éireann in 1979 where he served for eight years. He was the youngest ever Member of the Upper House as he was only 24 years of age when elected. John went on to serve in the Dáil for 12 years where he was best known for his enthusiasm and dedication to areas such as public service reform and for the abolition of corporal punishment in schools, for which generations of young people have reason to thank him. John became chairman of Dublin County Council at the age of 26 where he performed his duties with great distinction. He is still spoken of with great admiration in council circles because of his initiative which set up the first parks department in any council.
John Boland enjoyed life to the full, whether sailing, having a pint or enjoying a day at the races. He was a gifted person with a sharp mind, which could cut through the difficulties that faced him. The rejuvenation of the Dublin quays and the introduction of urban renewal schemes resulted from John's tremendous foresight, his belief in what could be done and a commitment to ensure that urban renewal could take place. May he rest in peace.
I also express my sympathy on the untimely death of Deputy Theresa Ahearn, a young mother struck down in the prime of life. We all witnessed the enormous courage with which Theresa battled a very serious illness. That courage was, perhaps, the greatest inspiration to anyone whose privilege it was to meet her during her trying and difficult years. I offer my deepest sympathy to Theresa's husband, Liam, her four sons, Patrick, Liam, Garret and Scott, her colleagues and the Fine Gael Party which she served so well.
I also express the great sadness felt in the midlands on the death of the legendary former Member of this House, Deputy Joe Sheridan. Joe was a distinguished and respected representative for the constituency of Longford-Westmeath and for the entire midlands. He hailed from Drumlish in County Longford, moved to Kilbeggan and then to Mullingar. He was well known in the agriculture industry in which he was a legend.
Joe entered public life and was successful as a member of Westmeath County Council. He became a Senator in 1958 and entered Dáil Éireann as an Independent in 1961 where he served for 20 uninterrupted years. Throughout his time in politics, Joe worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of Longford-Westmeath, Roscommon, Offaly and the neighbouring counties. He was one of the most powerful public figures of the time and was seen by many as an authority on many issues, particularly those concerning rural life and rural families.
Joe earned a great reputation as an honest, loyal and hard working man. Everyone knew him on the basis of "vote for Joe, the man you know, the man who knows you too". He was a man apart who made a great contribution to the people of his constituency and will be remembered in the midlands for many years. I offer sympathy to his five sons, four daughters and extended family.
I also offer the House's sympathy to the Clerk of the Seanad, Deirdre Lane, on the sad death of her brother yesterday.