Michael Deegan running as independent candidate in Birr area

CRINKILL resident Michael Deegan is running as an independent candidate for the Birr Electoral Area in the June local elections.

Michael was a very long time member of Fine Gael. He worked with Tom Enright for many years when he was both a Councillor and a TD. Michael was always interested in going for election himself but it wasn't an option while Tom was there. When he retired his daughter Olwyn succeeded him and Michael missed out again and later Marcella Corcoran Kennedy took up the mantle.

Earlier this year Michael decided that he would try to get a nomination to run for Fine Gael but when it came to the convention he found that he didn't have enough members to support him and Cllr John Clendennen and Hughie Egan were selected to run for Fine Gael.

After some consideration Michael then decided that he would run an an indepenent. He has been out canvassing around the South of the county and said he has got a very good reception. He said he enjoys meeting people and renewing many old acquaintances.

Michael was born in Banagher in 1944 and commenced working as a Law Clerk with Noel Reedy in 1961. He served as Acting District Court Clerk in in the 1960s and 1970s, covering courts in Birr, Banagher and Kilcormac.

Michael retired as a legal executive some years ago having spent over 50 years dealing with executive members of Offaly County Council, in which he drew upon his experience of assisting people with planning permission applications, mortgages, grants and other legal matters.

Michael played hurling with St Rynagh's inhis younger day and sees the importance of sport in promoting community involvement and participation.

He is also actively involved in many community initiatives and organisations. He is currently Vice Chairperson of Crinkill Tidy Villages and Development Association.

Over the years he led a campaign to save the local post office in Crinkill, which is now at the heart of the community.

Michael has trained in Suicide Postvention. He points out that Offaly has the second highest rate of suicide in the country, equating to an annual suicide rate of 17.8 deaths.

Among his other priorities are to improve local healthcare services, the provision of suitable and affordable housing, including local authority housing, and improvements in local amenities and services.