Veteran Offaly Fine Gael activist and former councillor honoured for her work in community

LOCAL councillors John Clendennen and Liam Quinn and Deputy Charlie Flanagan, along with members of Fine Gael, Molly Buckley’s family and friends were present at a Fine Gael function in Tullamore last week to hear an appreciation of her work as a councillor and her work in and for the community.

Her long service on Tullamore Town Council and Offaly County Council was highlighted and her dedication to her constituents was praised.

Her ‘can do’ approach was highlighted by Cllr Clendennenn who said if she was asked to do something you could be guaranteed it would be done in a timely manner.

Cllr Quinn spoke about the good working relationship they had on the council where they all worked together for the good of the community.

Deputy Charlie Flanagan outlined some of Molly’s many voluntary involvements including her work as a founding member of Offaly Domestic Violence Support service which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year.

Molly was a founder member and Chairperson of Rights for the Elderly Voluntary Housing Association group which developed 16 houses for older people.

She was also a founder member of Midlands Simon Community and remains an active member, Molly was also a founder member of Offaly Volunteer Centre.

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Deputy Flanagan spoke about her involvement in the education sector being a member and former Chair of what was the VEC and is now LOETB.

Molly is also a member of the Board of Management of Tullamore College, Gallen Community School, Clonaslee College and Birr Outdoor Education Centre.

Depuyty Flanagan spoke about Molly's involvement with the Ukrainian community in Clonaslee.

He mentioned her voluntary work oversees in Mozambique and Zambia as part of the work of Power4Good committee.

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Molly also travelled to Haiti with Maeve Bracken to help set up a health centre there following a major fundraising campaign.

Molly’s experience as a Public Health Nurse has been invaluable in all she does, stressed Deputy Flanagan.

He spoke about the great support Molly gets from her husband Jim and her family and mentioned her eight grandchildren.

He made a presentation to her on behalf of Fine Gael and said she’s not retiring. “This is only half time,” he joked.

Molly thanked everyone for coming and the lovely presentation which she said she will cherish. She thanked Michael Hickey, Kevin Wrafter and Tommy McKeigue for organising the event.

She said it was great to see her family, friends and her Fine Gael family here, all of whom do great work themselves and praised the ongoing work of volunteers.

“I enjoy everything I do, she said and I’m always helped with a great team of volunteers.”