Large attendance as Offaly Fianna Fáil celebrates party's 100th anniversary

Fianna Fáil in Offaly marked the party’s 100th anniversary with a special centenary celebration in Maunsell’s, Tullamore, attracting a large attendance of party members, supporters and public representatives from across the county.

Shane Moynihan TD, who is leading Fianna Fáil’s centenary celebrations nationally, was a special guest and addressed those in attendance. Deputy Moynihan said he was particularly impressed by the size of the turnout and by Offaly’s remarkable Fianna Fáil history, including its unbroken tradition of Fianna Fáil representation in Dáil Éireann since the party first contested a general election in 1927.

Ronan Feighery, Chairperson of Offaly Fianna Fáil Comhairle Ceantair, welcomed those in attendance and thanked members and supporters for their continued commitment to the party.

Speaking at the event, Offaly TD Tony McCormack said the turnout demonstrated the deep roots Fianna Fáil continues to have throughout the county.

“It was fantastic to see such a large turnout from every part of Offaly and particularly to see people who have given decades of service to Fianna Fáil coming together to mark this very special anniversary.

“Offaly has an extraordinary Fianna Fáil tradition. Since the party first contested a general election in 1927, Offaly has had a Fianna Fáil TD in Dáil Éireann without interruption.

“That tradition stretches from Patrick Boland through Nicholas Egan, Ger Connolly, Ber Cowen, Brian Cowen and Barry Cowen, and today I have the enormous privilege of carrying it forward.”

Deputy McCormack also paid a special tribute to former Taoiseach Brian Cowen, recognising his long service to Offaly and his contribution to the country.

“Brian represented this constituency for almost three decades and ultimately served as Taoiseach during one of the most difficult periods in our modern history.

“He faced extraordinarily difficult decisions under enormous pressure and at a significant personal and political cost. History has had time to reflect on that period, and I believe it now recognises that the difficult decisions taken created a pathway towards Ireland’s recovery.

“Brian’s contribution to Offaly, to Fianna Fáil and to our country is something of which we can be very proud.”

Deputy McCormack also remembered the late Ger Connolly, who served for 28 years as a Fianna Fáil TD, and paid tribute to the generations of members and volunteers who built and sustained the organisation in Offaly.

“The history of Fianna Fáil in Offaly is not simply the history of the people whose names appeared on ballot papers. It belongs just as much to the generations of members and volunteers who attended meetings, knocked on doors, put up posters, organised events and stood by the party through good times and difficult times.

“Volunteers give so much and ask for so little, and this centenary celebration was above all an opportunity to say thank you to them.”

Deputy McCormack also acknowledged Fianna Fáil’s local representatives, Cathaoirleach Cllr Declan Harvey, Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick, Cllr Frank Moran, Cllr Oliver Bryant, Cllr Shane Murray, Cllr Audrey Hennessy Kennedy, Cllr Peter Ormond and Cllr Claire Murray, thanking them for their work in communities across Offaly.

Deputy McCormack said the centenary was an opportunity to celebrate a proud history while also looking confidently towards the future.

“We can be enormously proud of the contribution generations of Fianna Fáil people have made to Offaly and to Ireland.

“Our responsibility now is to build on that tradition and ensure the values of community, opportunity and public service remain relevant to the next generation.”