Feargal Quinn (Independent)

Like Senator Ormonde, I did not know Séamus Dolan but I knew of him. I heard so much about him over the years and I am sorry I never, to the best of my knowledge, had the opportunity to meet him. I am speaking to encourage the next generation to take note of what is being said and feel pride in it, and also to record what is said for future generations. The words used will be available to the family on tape and I hope they will be treasured and recognised as a memory of a man who was one of the creators of the State.

He was born in 1914 and was only six or seven when the State was established, although at that age he may not have taken note of the fact. During the week I spoke to my mother in law who was born in 1909 and celebrated her 101st birthday a few months ago. She was able to talk about when she was six in 1916 and can remember things about it. Séamus Dolan may not have remembered the establishment of the State at six years of age but he was 12 years of age when Fianna Fáil was established and would have remembered that.

I was disappointed to learn from Senator Wilson that the other link I had to Séamus Dolan was incorrect. I understood he was born in Blacklion in Fermanagh. One of my earliest memories was my first ever visit to Croke Park for the all-Ireland football semi-final in 1943. I went on my father's bicycle. The match was Cavan versus Cork and as a six-year-old I was very enthusiastic about everything in Croke Park.

My father came from County Down, which is why I had a link with the North of the Border. He told me to cheer for the men in blue on the Cavan team because they were from Ulster and not to cheer for the men in red because they were from Munster. I remember it well and when I later met a number of those who played on the teams I was able to tell them the story. I learned about Séamus Dolan over the years but assumed he was from Fermanagh and that there was a link with my father on that basis.

I am in the Chamber to learn even more and have learned a lot more today. I want to encourage the following generations to remember the wonderful record Séamus Dolan established for the nation. He put a lot of work into that life. Tributes have been paid to him regarding the time he spent in both Houses. His contribution to education and love of the Irish language are examples that we set for ourselves and we as a nation should remember and record them.

I read a lovely O Henry story many years ago about a woman who received an invitation to go to her funeral which was to take place in her house. She was old, perhaps not as old as Séamus was, but when people arrived at the funeral she met them at the door. They told her they thought it was her funeral and she told them she would not miss it for anything and wanted to hear the chat. I am sure Séamus Dolan is listening to the tributes today. He is not here but it seems a shame that we cannot pay tribute and congratulate a person, as well as talk about his or her memories, when he or she is still around.

Bríd and the family should be proud of him, as we are, as somebody who gave his life to create the State we now have. The contribution he made, whether to Fianna Fáil, education, the Irish language or the government and legislation of the country, clearly set an example for many others. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.