Key local issues discussed at Tullamore Fianna Fail AGMs

THE Annual General Meetings of the Fianna Fáil Tullamore Comhairle Cheantair and the James O’Connor Cumann were held in the Tullamore Youth Centre on Monday of last week.

Peter Waters, Chairperson of the Tullamore Cumann, reminded attendees that Tullamore is the best-represented Comhairle Cheantair in the country, with four active County Councillors, a TD, an MEP, and former Taoiseach Brian Cowen.

Among the highlights of the past year was the organisation of the Fianna Fáil tent at the Tullamore Show. The event was very well received, and special thanks were extended to Minister Jack Chambers for his attendance and availability throughout the day.

The Annual Golf Outing, which was led out and organised by Tony Flanagan and held in Birr, was another major success and culminated in a very well-attended and enjoyable social evening.

Another significant event during the year was the large gathering of voting members who attended the meeting to co-opt Councillor Shane Murray to Offaly County Council, following the election of Deputy Tony McCormack to the Dáil.

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The meeting also recalled the well-attended celebration in Mountbolus, recognising the distinguished service of retired County Councillor Danny Owens for his long-standing contribution to the Fianna Fáil organisation and his dedicated representation of the people of Mountbolus, Mucklagh, Killeigh, and surrounding areas.

In addition to Deputy Barry Cowen’s constituency office on Patrick Street, Deputy Tony McCormack has now opened a full-time office on Henry Street, as well as offices in Edenderry and Clara. A successful fundraiser was held in the Tullamore Court Hotel, attended by Minister Jim O’Callaghan and former Taoiseach Brian Cowen.

During the year, Ronan Feighery and Cathal Tyrrell were appointed Chairperson and Secretary of the Comhairle Dáil Cheantair. Both bring new ideas, fresh thinking, and enthusiasm to their roles.

Deputy Tony McCormack, who celebrated his first year in Dáil Éireann, addressed the meeting and outlined several substantial achievements. Chief among these was the inclusion of the N52 in the National Roads Programme, which will lead to significant progress in upgrading the Tullamore–Kilbeggan road, long a concern for local residents and regular road users. He also updated members on various ongoing and planned housing developments in the Tullamore area.

Local Councillors Declan Harvey and Ollie Bryant reported on the many projects undertaken at Council level, including numerous road upgrades and the purchase of several derelict properties in Tullamore by Offaly County Council for redevelopment. The provision of additional social housing in the Tullamore area remains a key priority.

Treasurers Denis Kearney and Joe Gaffey provided an update on the strong financial position of the local Fianna Fáil organisation. The Chairpersons also acknowledged the dedicated role of Frances Berry as secretary of Comhairle Canthair.

Miriam O’Callaghan also gave a very informative report on the activities of the Fianna Fail Ard Comhairle of which she is the local representative.

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PJ Lynam was re-elected as Chairperson of the Tullamore Comhairle Cheantair, while Peter Waters was re-elected as Chairperson of the James O’Connor Cumann. Both Chairpersons welcomed the attendance of a number of new members at the meeting.

Congratulations were extended to Karen Malone on her election as Chairperson of the Fianna Fáil Women’s Network and Social Media Officer. Karen outlined the organisation’s planned activities for the coming year.

Further meetings are planned throughout the year, with particular emphasis on celebrating the centenary of the founding of Fianna Fáil in 1926.