Category: Politics

Obituary: Tom Meaney, Fianna Fáil stalwart who was close to Jack Lynch and opposed Charlie Haughey leadership

Former Fianna Fáil TD and minister of state Thomas Meaney, who has died at the age of 91, was a member of the Dáil for 17 years and a prominent figure in Cork politics.

He was part of a group of Fianna Fáil deputies known as “The Club of 22” who opposed the leadership of Charles Haughey in the early 1980s.

Tom Meaney was born on August 11, 1931, in Millstreet, Co Cork. He was a member of Cork County Council from 1970 to 1977 and a TD for Fianna Fáil from 1965 in the constituency known as Cork Mid and, when it was abolished in 1981, moved to Cork North-West where he won a seat in two general elections before retiring in 1982.

He was party spokesperson on defence in 1973 and minister of state at the Department of Industry, Commerce and Tourism from 1980 to 1981.

He was the first minister from a Dublin government to meet a counterpart from Northern Ireland to establish north-south measures to promote tourism on both sides of the Border.

[read more …] “Obituary: Tom Meaney, Fianna Fáil stalwart who was close to Jack Lynch and opposed Charlie Haughey leadership”

Garret Fitzgerald visits Millstreet

Last Wednesday’s RTÉ aired the “Two Tribes” documentary , about the diverging paths taken by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael in the post-civil war landscape and their political dominance over the last 100 years. To our surprise, there was a very short clip of the Fine Gael leader Garret Fitzgerald’s visit to Millstreet.

I’m guessing it’s in the run-up to the 1987 General Election, but I’m open to correction. Does anyone recognise any of the faces?

[read more …] “Garret Fitzgerald visits Millstreet”

Local Election Count for Macroom area

The Ballot boxes for the Macroom area were taken to Mallow this morning (Saturday) where the papers were separated, & then taken to County Hall for counting. Below are updates as they come to hand:

5:30pm: Final (11th) Count: The six seats are full – Michael Creed, Gobnait Moynihan, Michael Looney, Martin Coughlan, Eileen Lynch, and Ted Lucey are elected.
So there will be no representative from the Millstreet area in the council. There are two from Macroom, one from Berrings, one from Aghabollogue, one from Crookstown, and one from Ballyvourney.

[read more …] “Local Election Count for Macroom area”

Public Meeting at Aubane Community Centre on this Tuesday 14 May at 8.00 pm.(Meeting is in Relation to Poor Condition of Roads and Bridges in the Area)

The Aubane Social Club are hosting a Public Meeting at Aubane Community Centre on tonight Tuesday 14 May at 8.00 pm.This Meeting is in relation to the condition of the Bridges at Aubane Creamary and at the approach of Aubane Community Centre and the condition of the Tooreenbawn Road which is very dangerous. We hope Public Representatives will be there on the Night. We are asking the PUBLIC TO TURN UP AND HAVE THEIR SAY.

Tomorrow evening, 2nd May at 8.30pm – 9pm Áine will be holding an evening for people to register to vote

“Tomorrow evening, 2nd May at 8.30 pm – 9 pm Áine will be holding an evening for people to register to vote in the upcoming elections.
If you have not yet registered pop along to Áine’s office on Main Street in Millstreet to fill out the registration form.
The closing date is 6th May.”

Local Election Boundary Changes

The Local Electoral Area Boundary Committee’s report on the redrawing of Local Electoral Area boundaries was published last night. Millstreet has been in the Kanturk-Mallow Municipal District, but is now looks set to change into the Macroom-Blarney District.

The Electoral Divisions of Caherbarnagh, Coomlogane, and Drishane are the ones that will move to the Macroom District, with Cullen, Dromtarriffe, Rathcoole and Kilcorney  remaining in the Kanturk District.

No matter where they put us, we are out on a limb, but does this mean we are back in Muskerry which Millstreet always was in the past? 😉

[read more …] “Local Election Boundary Changes”

Referendum Results for Cork North West

Here are the results of the 36th Amendment to the Constitution Bill 2018 – for Cork North West, from the count centre in Colaiste Colm, Ballincollig:

  • Electorate 68,830;
  • Total poll 45,379 (66% – nationally 64%)
  • Invalid papers 131
  • Total valid poll 45,248
  • YES 27,194 (60.1% – nationally 66.40%)
  • NO 18,054 (39.9% – nationally 33.60%)

In 1983 Cork North West voted 80% the other way. It would be interesting to see results from the Millstreet area. Other local tallies suggest that Carriganima voted NO at 54%. Ballinagree YES 54%, Clondrochid YES 61%.

[read more …] “Referendum Results for Cork North West”

Mayor of Knocknagree Festival 2017

Vote David Rory O’Connor

Put your trust in Youth!

Who is David?

Son of Mary and Finbarr, he’s one of a long line of O’Connor’s who have given great years of service to Knocknagree GAA club.  David’s other interests include hurling, hillwalking and a little socialising when time allows.  He is currently studying for an Arts Degree in History and geography in University College Cork.  He has coached Cúl camps and helped out with primary school sessions.  David is an impeccable role model for all young people.

Why vote for David?  

[read more …] “Mayor of Knocknagree Festival 2017”

Millstreet Community Hospital must get its respite care beds back

Cork North West TD, Michael Moynihan has said that the HSE in Cork need to ensure that respite care beds that were transferred from Millstreet Community Hospital to a private facility to allow for refurbishment works are returned as quickly as possible.

“Last year, six respite care beds were moved to allow refurbishment works be completed. A contract with a private operator was agreed to ensure that the existing capacity was not diminished.

“However, it has come to light recently that the contract with the private operator has ended, yet the six beds have not been reopened in Millstreet Community Hospital.  [read more …] “Millstreet Community Hospital must get its respite care beds back”

Con O’Callaghan stands up for local Carriage Makers (1st Dec 1916)

At the quarterly meeting of Cork County Council, Millstreet’s local representative, Cors O’Callaghan (of Altamount House) proposed a resolution requesting the people not to purchase imported carriages and traps and keep local jobs in Ireland. You might say that things have not changed much in the hundred years since ! O’Callaghan also agrued against low wages, and the problems with the newly introduced Daylight Saving Time.

1916-12-01-con-ocallaghan-stands-up-for-trap-makers-02_rsz1916-12-01-con-ocallaghan-stands-up-for-trap-makers-01_rsz

General Election 2016 – Count Updates

Updates from RTÉ at the Count Centre in Coláiste Choilm, Ballincollig (give it a few seconds to load up):

Please note that there are some spammy tweets in the middle of the feed. We can’t do much about them. Best to just ignore them, and concentrate on the relevant messages.


[read more …] “General Election 2016 – Count Updates”

Who Will You Vote for in the General Election 2016 ?

2016 Cork North West Constituency MapTomorrow, Friday the 26th of February is General Election day when the people take to the polling booths to make their choices as to who the want to represent them locally, and indirectly what party / parties will make up the 32nd Dáil.

So we’re asking who will you vote for in Cork North West tomorrow?

  • the poll is anonymous
  • you can choose up to three candidates from the list below
  • more detail on each candidate can is can be seen in a previous article (here)

Update: 26th Feb: Thanks to all those that voted in our poll. The poll closed before voting started this morning. It makes for interesting reading, as previous polls we did happened to be very accurate. We’ll see what happenens in the real thing!

[poll id=”13″]

General Election 2016: Our Candidates in Cork North-West

And we’re off: Taoiseach Enda Kenny dissolved the 31st Dáil this morning, setting in motion the General Election for 2016 for Friday 26th February. Below are the twelve candidates declared for our Cork North-West constituency, of which three will be elected. Click on the photos to see a one minute video from each of the candidates.

Jason Fitzgerald (Renua)Nigel Dennehy (Sinn Féin)Michael Moynihan (Fianna Fáil)Andrias Moynihan (Fianna Fáil)
Jason Fitzgerald (Renua), Nigel Dennehy (Sinn Féin), Michael Moynihan (Fianna Fáil), Andrias Moynihan (Fianna Fáil)

Steven O'Riordan (Independent)Áine Collins (Fine Gael)2016 Michael O'Donnell - Communist Party Candidate Cork NorthWestMichael Creed (Fine Gael)
Steven O’Riordan (Independent), Áine Collins (Fine Gael), Michael O’Donnell(Communist Party of Ireland (new candidate)), Michael Creed (Fine Gael)
Shirley Griffin (Independent)Diarmuid O'Flynn (Independent Alliance)John Paul O'Shea (Independent)Cormac Manning - Green Party
Shirley Griffin (Independent/People’s Convention), Diarmuid O’Flynn (Independent Alliance), John Paul O’Shea (Independent), Cormac Manning (Green Party)

2016-02 Jerry O'Sullivan - Cork North West CandidateJerry O’Sullivan (Independent)

See what the Cork North West candidates are tweeting about with Marie Collins’ list (here)

[read more …] “General Election 2016: Our Candidates in Cork North-West”

The Healy-Raes

A new book by Gneeveguilla native and former Irish Examiner journalist Donal Hickey on the Healy-Rae family has been launched. ”The Healy-Raes – a 24/7 Political Legacy” is a fascinating account of Ireland’s famous political dynasty.
The 200 page book is on sale at Wordsworth in The Square, Millstreet, priced at €14.99.

Lost more information on the book and author can be read on the MaineValleyPost.com

Steven’s Speech to the UCC Philosophical Society

Steven O’ Riordan Cork North West Independent Candidate speaking to the UCC Philosophical Society on the topic of “Should we re-elect the Government” on Monday night (Sept 21st). If you like what you hear get in touch with Steven @ <email>
[read more …] “Steven’s Speech to the UCC Philosophical Society”

Referendums 2015: How did you vote?

Now that the Polling Stations are closed, it would be interesting to know how people voted locally? (it’s anonymous, so no need to worry)
[poll id=”11″]
[poll id=”12″]

==========

Final Results for Cork:

Total Total Poll Turnout % In-
valid		 Valid For Against For % Against %
Cork East 81271 49532 60.95 304 49228 30383 18845 61.72 38.28
Cork North-Central 75263 45059 59.87 398 44661 28479 16182 63.77 36.23
Cork North-West 62143 38997 62.75 311 38686 22388 16298 57.87 42.13
Cork South-Central 92422 59018 63.86 355 58663 38591 20072 65.78 34.22
Cork South-West 60141 37107 61.70 255 36852 20627 16225 55.97 44.03

[read more …] “Referendums 2015: How did you vote?”

It’s Referendum Day – now get out and Vote !

Laura Cronin who is flying home from Amsterdam to vote in the Referendums
Laura Cronin is flying home from Amsterdam to vote in the Referendums
(photo from the Irish Independent)

Our vote at Referendums and Elections are the only way us ordinary people have to influence the direction of our country. Yet at the last referendum, only 39% of voters turned up to vote on the “Abolition of the Seanad”.

We would encourage everyone to cast their vote today on the “Marriage Referendum” and on the “Age of Presidential Candidate Referendum”, no matter whether you want to vote Yes or No. Fair play to our own Laura Cronin who works for Tourism Ireland in Amsterdam who is flying home to vote. She was profiled yesterday in a long article in Stellar Magazine, with a shorter piece in an article in the Irish Independent.

It’s hard to see anything other than a Yes vote in the Marriage Referendum, especially if younger voters turn up at the polls, but stranger things have happened. Now does anyone know how the Age of Presidential Candidates Referendum will end up? [read more …] “It’s Referendum Day – now get out and Vote !”

Public Meeting Notice

2015-04-08 Public Meeting Notice - Steven O'Riordan - Independent Candidate for the upcoming election–

Millstreet man, and new Cork North West Candidate Steven O’Riordan is holding a series of Public Meetings in the area in April.

Everyone is encouraged to go along and participate in the wide range of topics that are up for discussion, and the questions and answers session on the issues that affect you directly.

–

The meetings are to be held at:

  • 21st April at 8pm, in the Wallis Arms Hotel, Millstreet
  • 22nd April at 8pm in the Castle Hotel, Macroom
  • 23rd April at 8pm in the Park Bar, Kanturk

For more information, contact Steven at 087-0674520

(Click the poster to see it full size)

2016 General Election Campaign, Independent Candidate LOOKING FOR SUPPORT

Woodland Drive,
Millstreet,
Co. Cork

Tel: 0870674520

Date: 14/02/15

Dear Sir/Madam,

I’m writing to you In relation to the possibility of putting my name forward as an Independent Candidate for the 2016 General Election.

My name is Steven O’ Riordan and I’m a member of Millstreet Macra. I’m the brother of disability activist Joanne O’ Riordan who was born without limbs. My background is in the Arts and my political interests are social and human rights issues.

I’m currently looking for help in mounting a campaign that would result in taking a seat within the Cork North West area.

The campaign would be run on a number of issues, these include; Disability, Young People, Urban V Rural Ireland, Dail Reform, Immigrants, Sport & The Arts.

I’m probably best known for my work on the issue of the Magdalene Laundries and my most recent documentary “No Limbs No Limits” The Joanne O’ Riordan. I was a key figure in securing the state apology for the women of the Magdalene Laundries. Over the years I have also used my ability to ensure that people with disabilities live in a society that is inclusive. You can see this in my local area where I was successful in getting the County Council to make all public buildings & footpaths wheelchair accessible.

I believe that the time is right to put [read more …] “2016 General Election Campaign, Independent Candidate LOOKING FOR SUPPORT”

Steven O’Riordan to run for the Dáil

The best of luck to Steven O’Riordan, who will run as an Independent in the forthcoming General Election (due by April 2016), and who is hoping to take a seat in our three-seat Cork North West constituency.

Steven said the policies of both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael parties “simply do not work”, that he wants to “give something back” to the people who have helped his family over the years, and “I want people to be proud of the TDs they elect. The people of Cork North West and Ireland deserve better.”

Read more in the newspaper articles below:  [read more …] “Steven O’Riordan to run for the Dáil”

Public Meeting on Agriculture Food & Community Affairs

Fianna Fáil - logoCork North West Fianna Fáil Agricultural & Rural Affairs Committee

Public Meeting in the Parish Meeting Rooms Millstreet
(Beside Millstreet Parish Church)

On Friday 30th January 8pm. Guest Speakers include:

Éamon Ó Cuìv T.D. Fianna Fail spokeperson on Agricultural Food & Community Affairs

Donal Corkery from John Crowley Agri Consultant on Farm Grants

Ger Mc Sweeney from the Health & Safety Authority on farm Safety

Come along & have your say in Fianna Fail policy on the issues that matter to you.

You can also follow us on Facebook at:  Cork North West Agricultural & Rural Affairs Committee

from the FF Cork NW Agri & Rural Affairs Committee

Our President in Mallow

2014-11-28 President Michael D Higgins in Mallow - photo by Jane ThomasThere was a great turnout at Mallow last Firday afternoon greeting the President for the unveiling of the statue of Thomas Davis

The picture dipicts his passion in what he believes in.

With thanks to Jane Thomas for this photo and comment above.

Also in the media:

More work needed to realise Thomas Davis’ Vision (Irish Examiner 29th Nov)

President Higgins pays tribute to writer and poet Thomas Davis (Irish Times 29th Nov) [read more …] “Our President in Mallow”

Cumann Presentation to Cllr. Bernard Moynihan Tonight

A presentation of the book "Brian Lenihan - In Calm and Crisis" was made by Chairperson of the Millstreet Fianna Fáil Cumann, Maria Murphy, to Cllr. Bernard Moynihan marking his recent election to Cork Co. Council. Also present were further dedicated members of the Millstreet Cumann. Click on the images to enlarge. (S.R.)
A presentation of the book “Brian Lenihan – In Calm and Crisis” was made by Chairperson of the Millstreet Fianna Fáil Cumann, Maria Murphy, to Cllr. Bernard Moynihan marking his recent election to Cork Co. Council. Also present were further dedicated members of the Millstreet Cumann. Click on the images to enlarge.   (S.R.)
It is here at McCarthy's Bar, The Square, Millstreet that monthly Clinics will be held (by kind permission) on the third Monday at 7.30pm. The first Clinic is on Monday, 17th Nov. while the second one is on Monday, 15th Dec.. Recent Grants directed to Millstreet include €7,500.00 to Millstreet Town Park for Outdoor Fitness Equipment, €1,200.00 to Millstreet Men's Shed for a Polytunnel and €600.00 to Millstreet Tidy Towns. (S.R.)
It is here at McCarthy’s Bar, The Square, Millstreet that monthly Fianna Fáil Clinics will be held (by kind permission) on the third Monday at 7.30pm. The first Clinic is on Monday, 17th Nov. while the second one is on Monday, 15th Dec.. Recent Grants directed to Millstreet include €7,500.00 to Millstreet Town Park for Outdoor Fitness Equipment, €1,200.00 to Millstreet Men’s Shed for a Polytunnel and €600.00 to Millstreet Tidy Towns.   (S.R.)

Kanturk-Mallow Local Election Results

Electorate Turnout Total Poll Spoiled Votes Valid Poll
37129 58% 21604 303 21301

The quota is 3044 votes and 6 of the 6 seats have been filled. (Green = elected, wine=eliminated)

Candidate Count 1 Count 2 Count 3 Count 4 Count 5 Count 6 Count 7 Count 8
O’Shea, John Paul (Ind) 4374
Moynihan, Bernard (FF) 2481 2568 2636 2914 2935 2956 3231
Fitzgerald, Dan Joe (FF) 2271 2510 2546 2915 3240
Mullane, Melissa (SF) 2154 2365 2497 2610 2715 2732 2840 2877
Murphy, Gerard (FG) 2090 2156 2223 2356 2631 2653 3551
Collins, Timmy (Ind) 1779 1961 2191 2317 2354 2364 2680 2862
Buckley, Noel (FG) 1641 1694 1709 1742 1935 1949
Sheehan, Ronan (Lab) 1332 1499 1537 1583 1954 2066 2136 2346
O’Connor, Noel (FG) 1302 1442 1458 1474 1474
Donegan, Bart (FF) 1231 1258 1276
O’Brien, Denis (Ind) 505 610
Zalewski, Grzegorz (Ind) 141 194

[read more …] “Kanturk-Mallow Local Election Results”