Assembly Chairman pays tribute to Gary Speed

The Co-Chairman of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly, Mr Joe McHugh TD, has today paid tribute to the late Gary Speed and offered his sympathies to his Welsh colleagues in the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly and to the family of Mr Speed.

"As Co-Chairman of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my deepest sympathies to the family of Gary Speed and to my Welsh colleagues in the Welsh Assembly and in the Houses of Parliament.

"As a keen sportsman, I am more than aware that Gary Speed was a great role model for many young people throughout Britain and Ireland. In particular, for those Irish people who have followed his long and successful career both as a player in the old First Division and the Premier League and as an international manager.

"The Welsh people are rightfully proud of their sporting ability and the death of one their most influential sports figures will come as a huge blow to many. My thoughts and best wishes are with the Welsh people at this difficult time.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé."

ENDS