Offaly Fianna Fail mark Brian Cowen's elevation to Taoiseach
OVER 500 Offaly Fianna Fáil members attended a function to officially mark Brian Cowen's election as Uachtaráin of the party and Taoiseach, in the Tullamore Court Hotel on Saturday night.
Hosted by Offaly Comhairle Dail Cheantarthe atmosphere at the event was decidedly upbeat with speakers paying tribute to An Taoiseach for his contribution to Offaly, to the Fianna Fil party and to the country.
Padraig Boland (Chair Offaly CDC) was MC for the night, while speakers included Offaly County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Barry Cowen and Fianna Fil General Secretary, Sean Dorgan.
An Taoiseach's address drew a sustained standing ovation as he mixed humour, realism and vision in a speech that illustrated his prowess as a political orator.
He said, "The best way forward is for us to focus on doing our job properly, even if that means making hard choices. Put simply, we must do what is right. No matter how difficult the decisions, Fianna Fil will act decisively in the long-term interests of current and future generations of Irish citizens."
An Taoiseach was joined on-stage by his family, Mary, Sinead and Maebh and Offaly Fianna Fil presented them with a portrait of the Cowen Family on his return to the county in May '07.
Padraig Boland explained that local artiste Siobhan McCormack had been commissioned by the organisation at local level to produce the piece. Cllr Sinead Dooley also presented Mary Cowen with a floral bouquet.
Simon Casey and his band ensured that the Tullamore Court Hotel floorboards were well tested and the highlight was Simon's duet with An Taoiseach of 'The Town I Love So Well'.
Organising committee for the event included Stephen Mather, Sean Halligan, Paul Stephenson, Shane Murray, Sinead Dooley and Padraig Boland.
(See Next week's Offaly Express for full photographic coverage)
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Weather for Tullamore
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -5 C to -0 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -0 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South west
