Without Ray's splendid leadership between 1997 and 2010, our Famine Memorial would never have come to be.

Our Memorial is a gift to all who do and will visit it and a testament to Ray's love for and belief in the continuing importance of our Irish heritage.

Professionally, Ray devoted his life as a Clinical Social Worker to those people in our society who were most vulnerable and in need of help and support. As the Irish say, "May God be good to him!"

May we all meet again soon to raise a glass to Ray, and our many other deceased Famine Committee Members, in better days to come.

Please keep Ray and Sue McKenna, and all the McKenna family, in your thoughts and prayers throughout this day and the days ahead.

My best to all.