The late former Senator, Dail deputy and Junior Minister, Mr Paudge Brennan, was praised as a man of integrity who quit ministerial office on what he considered a matter of principle. House leader Mr Donie Cassidy described him as an honourable public representative, strong in his republican views and principles.
Mr Cassidy caused a ripple of amusement when, referring to the Wicklow man's "proud" membership of the GAA, he recalled Mr Brennan had played for his county against Meath in the "long whistle" match. "The game went 11 minutes over the time and the moment Meath got the extra winning point, the game concluded." Cathaoirleach Mr Brian Mullooly, who served in the Seanad with Mr Brennan, joined in the expressions of sympathy to his wife and family.