BREAKING: Tipperary Fianna Fáil stalwart steps back after 30 years of service

The Annual General Meeting of the Cashel Fianna Fáil Cumann and Cashel Fianna Fáil Comhairle Ceantair took place in Brosnan's Bar, Cashel, on Monday, April 7.

Outgoing Cumann Chairperson Mattie Finnerty welcomed members, who congratulated Cllr Roger Kennedy on his re-election to Tipperary County Council since the last AGM and also to Senator Imelda Goldsboro on her appointment to Seanad Éireann.

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During his Chairperson’s Address, Mattie Finnerty announced his decision to not seek re-election stating: “after over 30 years as Chair, I believe it is now time that a younger person be given the opportunity to drive us on here in Cashel, and I am particularly heartened to see such a great turnout tonight from Ógra Fianna Fáil”.

Senator Goldsboro then chaired the election of officers and the following were elected to the Cumann Officer Board:

Labhrás Ó Murchú & Mattie Finnerty as Honorary Presidents, Paudie Taylor as Chairperson, Collette Roche as Vice-Chair, Seán Lonergan as Honorary Secretary, Collette Roche & Aodán Wrenn as Joint Treasurers, Paddy Moloney as PRO, Eoin Quirke as Membership Officer, David Sinclair as Youth Officer, and Claire Lonergan as Women’s & Equality Officer.

Incoming Chairperson Paudie Taylor then paid tribute to Mattie saying “I certainly have big shoes to fill, and very humbled to receive the support of the members here tonight. I thank Mattie for over 30 years service to the party as chairperson, and there’s no doubt Mattie was the epitome of the heart and soul of Fianna Fáil in Cashel for a very long time”.

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The AGM of Cashel Fianna Fáil Comhairle Ceantair then took place with Chairperson John McCarthy welcoming members from across the area, and paid tribute to Eamonn O’Donnell who had announced he was stepping down as Honorary Secretary after 20 years in the role.

The following people were elected to the Comhairle Ceantair Officer Board: Eamonn O’Donnell as Honorary President, John McCarthy as Chairperson, Teresa Shelly as Vice-Chair, Paudie Taylor as Honorary Secretary, Collette Roche & Teresa Shelly as Joint Treasurers, Liam Connolly as Membership Officer, Eric Ryan as PRO, David Sinclair as Youth Officer, and Collette Roche as Women’s & Equality Officer.

The meeting was then addressed by Senator Imelda Goldsboro, she congratulated the incoming officer boards and spoke of her work in the Seanad, her passion in increasing social and affordable housing, securing more school places, and a range of other topics.

Cllr Roger Kennedy also addressed the meeting, thanking party members for their support in last year’s Local Elections, and discussed his work on Tipperary County Council, housing, and education.