Tipperary FF cumann raises controversary surrounding migrant hostel proposal for town

The Annual General Meeting of the Cashel Fianna Fáil Cumann and Cashel Fianna Fáil Comhairle Ceantair took place in Brosnan's Bar, Cashel, on November 9.

Cumann Chairperson Mattie Finnerty welcomed members and complimented Cllr. Roger Kennedy on his year as Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council, stating he "represented the party well", and committed the Cumann's support to Cllr. Kennedy in next year's local elections. Mattie also complimented Deputy Jackie Cahill on his "great work ethic".

Mattie raised the recent hot topic issue of the proposed refugee centre on John Street and thanked both Deputy Cahill and Cllr Kennedy on their representations to get this issue resolved.

The Ógra Fianna Fáil report was delivered by Paudie Taylor, who announced that the Cashel Ógra Cumann had voted to name the Cumann after the late Dr Seán McCarthy, which was welcomed by all, in a fitting tribute to "the man who was the heart and soul of Fianna Fáil" in Cashel.

The following people were elected to the Cashel Cumann Officer Board: Labhrás Ó Murchú as Honorary President, Mattie Finnerty as Chairperson, Mick Mackey as Vice-Chairperson, Paudie Taylor as Honorary Secretary, Collette Roche and Aodán Wrenn as Joint Treasurers, Paddy Moloney as Public Relations Officer, Seán Lonergan as Membership Officer, and David Sinclair as Youth Officer.

The AGM of Cashel Comhairle Ceantair then took place with Chairperson John McCarthy welcoming members from across the area. He thanked Ógra on behalf of the McCarthy family for their "heartfelt tribute" to "The Doc", who was a strong supporter of Ógra. He also raised the recent issue on John Street and thanked Deputy Cahill and Cllr. Kennedy in helping resolve it.

The following people were elected to the Comhairle Ceantair Officer Board: John McCarthy as Chairperson, Mattie Finnerty as Vice-Chairperson, Eamonn O'Donnell as Honorary Secretary, Teresa Shelly & Paudie Taylor as Joint Treasurers, and David Sinclair as Youth Officer.

Deputy Cahill addressed the meeting, congratulated the incoming officer boards and thanked the Cumann and C.C. for their support in the last two General Elections. He also spoke about Budget 2024, housing, health, education, agriculture, among many other topics.

Cllr Kennedy then addressed the meeting, speaking about the 2024 Local Elections saying he was "excited for the challenge" and is very thankful for the support of Fianna Fáil members to run again. He also spoke about John Street, his work on Tipperary County Council, housing, education, sports capital grants, among many other topics.

Ballingarry based Cllr Imelda Goldsboro, also in attendance at the meeting, was then called on to speak, and spoke about the new Dáil boundaries, stating "Fianna Fáil is in a great position to take a seat" in the newly formed Tipperary South constituency and "we must all fight to do so".