Pictures: Micheál Martin hails Kilkenny's 'important place' in Fianna Fáil history

The who’s who of Fianna Fáil in Kilkenny came out in force last week to greet An Taoiseach Michael Martin to celebrate 100 years of the party in Kilkenny.

Almost 300 representatives, members, supporters and guests met for a lunch event, bringing together generations of Fianna Fáil members from across Kilkenny and beyond to reflect on the party’s history and look ahead to its future.

Delivering the keynote address, Taoiseach Micheál Martin paid tribute to the important place Kilkenny has held in the party’s history saying that Kilkenny was a city, county and constituency that was always at the heart of the Fianna Fáil story.

The Taoiseach also paid particular tribute to the organising committee, led by Jimmy Brett, for their hard work and dedication in bringing together members from across Kilkenny for such a special occasion.

The Taoiseach also commended the ongoing contribution of Leas-Cheann Comhairle John McGuinness TD and Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere TD in Kilkenny, alongside Minister of State Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD in Carlow, recognising their continued commitment to their constituents and their strong advocacy and representation in Dáil Éireann.

Among the significant moments in the party’s history in Kilkenny highlighted on the day was the late Bobby Aylward’s victory in the 2015 by-election, a particularly memorable occasion for Fianna Fáil members and supporters throughout the county.

Looking to the present, the Taoiseach highlighted the work being done by Fianna Fáil in Government, pointing to high levels of employment and rising wages. He acknowledged the pressures facing businesses in Kilkenny and across the country, particularly the rising cost of doing business and energy affordability, stressing that addressing these challenges would remain a key priority for Government in the months ahead.

The Taoiseach also highlighted the importance of continued investment in infrastructure, pointing to the approximately €238 million invested or committed to electricity transmission infrastructure directly serving Kilkenny since Fianna Fáil returned to Government in 2020.

This includes the completion of the Great Island-Kilkenny upgrade and the ongoing Laois-Kilkenny Grid Reinforcement Project, both of which represent significant investment in the county’s energy infrastructure.

Concluding his address, the Taoiseach thanked members and supporters for their continued commitment to Fianna Fáil and recognised the contribution Kilkenny continues to make to the party.