I was very saddened to learn of the passing of my longstanding good friend and former Dáil colleague, Dr. Rory O’Hanlon. May he Rest In Peace.

To Rory’s wife Teresa, their children Fiona, Rory, Ardal, Neale, Shane and Derbhla, his sister Sr. Fionnuala,  his beloved grandchildren, and extended family I extend my sincere condolences at this sad time.

Rory was a powerful, committed, hardworking and diligent public representative who served his constituency and country with great distinction. He served as Chairman of the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party and was always held in the highest esteem throughout the Party nationally.

As Ceann Comhairle, Leas Ceann Comhairle, Minister and TD he exemplified the best in public service.  I worked closely with Rory at constituency level and in various Committees of the Oireachtas.   He was always a good friend, close and loyal colleague and a team player in the constituency and in Dáil Éireann.

As Ceann Comhairle, Rory led many All Party Delegations at different meetings at home and abroad and he did that work meticulously. I remember fondly  our work together on the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly and the meetings we had with other Groups on the issue of Northern Ireland which was always of critical interest to Rory.

Thankfully we have all witnessed the dramatic transformation on this island since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement  which he cherished so much. 

Rory was universally popular as a hardworking GP in the Carrickmacross area.  He took a particular interest and leadership role in advocating for the provision of services for persons with additional needs or a disability and he was a founding member of the Holy Family Special School in Cootehill.

As a GP and as a Public Representative Rory contributed enormously to the Cavan Monaghan area.  I always thought that his great faith was a particular source of strength to him.  Rory was also very supportive of the great work undertaken by religious and lay missionaries in the most deprived parts of the world, helping people in the most difficult circumstances. 

Rory was first and foremost a committed family man and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.