Veteran Offaly Fianna Fail man honoured for 50 years dedicated service

The most recent meeting of the Fianna Fail Tullamore Comhairle Ceantair was packed to capacity, testament to the dedicated following in the area, but also a demonstration of the high esteem one of its longest serving members is held.

A presentation was made to Joe Gaffey on his 50 plus years of involvement with Fianna Fail and his dedication to the bettering of the community.

Deputy Barry Cowen stated it was with great privilege to offer his huge heartfelt thanks to a man who had worked tirelessly behind the scenes for many years and who represents Fianna Fail and all that matters. Deputy Cowen stated he ‘didn’t know Fianna Fail without Mr Gaffey’.

Deputy Cowen reminisced the many projects and campaigns he had been involved with, the memories shared and recalled a trip to New York where he credited Mr Gaffey with bringing authenticity to proceedings.

Mr Gaffey regaled stories of his own journey to the party and stories of his first Ard Fheis where under the leadership of Taoiseach Jack Lynch, he recalled conversations with former Taoiseach Sean Lemass.

Mr Gaffey identified his darkest and saddest day with Fianna Fail as being the passing of TD Ber Cowen.

A presentation was made to Mr Gaffey by Chairman of Fianna Fail Tullamore CC, PJ Lynam who thanked himfor his contributions over the years.

Ms Liz Fleming from the local Clara Cuman made an additional presentation and finally a presentation was made to Mr. Gaffey’s wife Maureen  by Peter Waters on behalf of James O'Connor cumann.

The chairman had opened proceedings by recognizing the large numbers in attendance following the disruption brought about by the pandemic. Leaning into the next 18 to 24 months, he spoke of the work already ongoing and the work that needs to happen to maintain the success of holding four seats in the local council.

Cllr Declan Harvey updated members on the recent visit of Minister Darragh O’Brien for the opening of a new housing development at Jackson Hill.

He relayed how impressed the minister was with the work that has been undertaken by the council on current and future projects and how future projects are at a stage where they are ready to go.

He outlined that it was not only Tullamore benefiting from development but also – Clara, Edenderry, and Birr.

Cllr Danny Owens remarked on the very worthwhile day and meeting with the minister. He also updated the group that they had had their first look at the budget of €70 million and admitted there was very little discretionary funding. T

he local property tax was discussed, and it was explained the 15% increase would allow for a draw down four times the national funding.

Both Cllr Owens and Chairman PJ Lynam thanked Deputy Cowen for the tremendous achievement of securing €20 million for the hospice in Tullamore.

Chairman PJ Lynam said he ‘could not say enough and such an achievement could only be commended’.

He went on to say in conjunction with Deputy  Cowen's achievements in relation to the hospice his work in relation to the Midland Just Transition had to be applauded. Mr Cowen continues to fight for Offaly's fair entitlement to the funding, having been hugely impacted by the loss of jobs when economies are shifting to sustainable production.

Deputy Cowen outlined that while there are critics, there is a lot that is being achieved in this great little country. Deputy Cowen summarized that a budget of €11billion was proposed without borrowing, that Ireland is currently a country at work, that during the challenges of the pandemic, the government met the challenge, made tough decisions, but designed and offered necessary supports.

On the subject of housing, Deputy Cowen relayed how the Offaly local authority brought 480 solutions to housing and sought government support for 590. Mr Cowen updated how there are currently 500 developments ongoing in Tullamore alone.

Deputy Cowen did accept there were gaps in terms of affordable housing, but that there is work ongoing in this area and this is an important area that Fine Gael neglected for 10 years. Deputy Cowen was disconcerted by the role of An Bord Plenala and the delays that are hindering development.

Health was another area Deputy Cowen covered. On this issue of childcare he outlined similar to the approach of O’Malley in the 1960’s, it needed to be reiterated the link of childcare to being pivotal to child development.

Deputy Cowen said there had been a huge effort to secure the hospice and he would hope it would be at the planning stage soon.

The meeting concluded with votes of sympathy.