For this expression of sympathy we will, as usual, have one speaker from each group; there may be one or two others who had a friendship with the former Senator, the late Jack Fitzgerald, who might like to speak.
Death of Former Member. - Expression of Sympathy.
It is, unfortunately, my duty to express our sympathy to the family of the former Senator, the late Jack Fitzgerald. He was a Member of this House for 16 years and a member of the Meath County Board for 30 years. He was a life long member of the GAA and a former chairman of the Meath County Board. I know the House will join with me in offering our sympathy to his family and to our colleagues in the Labour Party.
I would like to be associated with the expression of our sympathy to the family of the late Jack Fitzgerald. He served in this House from 1961 to 1977; he was a member of Meath County Council for 46 years, and was chairman of that body on a few occasions. He served with distinction in all walks of life in which he was involved. He was chairman of the Meath County Board and first chairman of the Meath hurling board; he was also a member of the Central Council of the GAA for close on 30 years representing County Meath and he was involved with the first Meath team to win the All Ireland in 1949 and the teams that won in 1954 and 1967.
Over the years the late Jack Fitzgerald played his part in representing County Meath and bringing many tributes to the county. I served with him on Meath County Council for a number of years and my late father, who was a member of this House, served with him here. They became Members of the Oireachtas in the same year — 1961. We sympathise with his family and with his nephew, Deputy Brian Fitzgerald.
On behalf of the Labour group I join in the expression of sympathy to the family of the late Jack Fitzgerald. He served in this House for many years and on the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. He served his county well. He was a member of the General Council of County Councils and chairman of the eastern region of the RDO. He had a wide involvement in the GAA at local, county and national level and he had a long time interest in agriculture and rural development.
He was a very popular man in the Labour Party in County Meath. He built up the party in that county and the flag is now being carried by his nephew, Deputy Brian Fitzgerald. I send the sympathy of our group to his family.
The Independent group would like to be associated with the condolences expressed and we extend our sympathy to the family of the late Senator, Jack Fitzgerald. No Member of our group had the privilege or pleasure of working with him or of knowing him so we cannot add a personal comment. However, I understand that he was instrumental in depriving Kerry of an All Ireland at one time. We recognise his contribution to Irish life and we wish to be associated with the remarks that have been made.
On behalf of the Progressive Democrats I join in the vote of sympathy. I extend our sympathy to the late Senator's family, to his colleagues in the Labour Party and to his former colleagues on Meath County Council. He had a long and distinguished record of public service as a politician and as a sportsman and, indeed, in the agricultural sector and for that we must be grateful. It is a sad occasion and we extend our sympathy.
When Senator Jack Fitzgerald was involved in the Meath GAA County Board there were never rows in that organisation. However, I must let Senator Rory Kiely — who is creating havoc in Limerick — say a few words.
Good to see you back.
I wish to be associated with the vote of sympathy for the former Senator Jack Fitzgerald. I knew Senator Fitzgerald through our association with the GAA We were chairmen of our respective boards at the same time and we used to meet at congresses. We had something else in common. Three county GAA chairmen contested the general election in 1969 — myself, the late Jack Fitzgerald and Sean Browne of Wexford. None of us was successful, although the latter two won election to the Seanad. I scrambled into the Seanad a few years later.
However, the year of my arrival, 1977, was the year when the former Senator Jack Fitzgerald retired from the Seanad so I did not have the experience of serving with him in the House. I understand he was a great contributor and his contributions enhanced the work of this House. We developed a mighty friendship. That friendship was a source of pleasure to me and I was grateful for his advice whenever I sought it. I convey my sympathy to his family and particularly to Barry — I know him well — and Des.
I, too, offer my condolences to the family of the late Senator Fitzgerald. We will offer a prayer for him and we will be in touch with his family.
Members rose in their places.