Former taoisigh honoured at FF centenary event

Past taoisigh were remembered at the Fianna Fáil centenary celebrations in Bloomfield House Hotel, Mullingar, on Friday last.

Éamon de Valera was represented by Éamon Ó Cuív, Joe O’Brien from Ógra Fianna Fáil, and Cllr Frankie Keena; Sean Lemass was represented by Cathal Haughey, Eoin Cawley from Ógra Fianna Fáil, and Senator Aidan Davitt; Jack Lynch was represented by Senator Margaret Murphy-O’Mahony, accompanied by Aideen Hamm and Cllr Niall Gaffney; Charles J Haughey was represented by his son Sean, Arlene Hayden and Cllr Ken Glynn; Albert Reynolds was represented by Cathy Reynolds, Matthew Hamm and Cllr Liam McDaniel; Bertie Aherne was represented by Noel Aherne, Clonmellon man Conor Muldoon from Ógra Fianna Fail, and Cllr Alfie Devine.

Former Taoiseach Brian Cowen received a standing ovation as did current Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who was accompanied by Sarah Cawley and Cllr Vinny McCormack.

Minister Robert Troy paid tribute to the contributions made by each of the former taoisigh including Brian Cowen, “a man who put the country before politics and took the difficult decisions necessary to guide Ireland through a global financial crisis”, and Micheál Martin, who “guided our country through the challenges of Covid-19, and who continues to lead and will continue to lead with determination in uncertain times”.

“Our party is made up of people rooted in our communities who give of their time because they believe in something bigger than themselves,” Robert remarked.

He paid tribute to the voluntary committee who organised Friday’s celebrations in just four weeks, and to two of Westmeath longest serving Fianna Fáil members – Tom Ledwith and Bridget Turner, both honorary presidents of Fianna Fáil CDC Westmeath.

Cllr Aoife Davitt reflected on the life and political career of Mary O’Rourke, former TD and deputy leader of the Fianna Fáil party. Aoife recalled how, as a young politician, she was advised by Mary, “’don’t mind those men at all, do your own thing, back yourself’.”. Mary was phenomenal, a trailblazer, and she ensured women’s voices were heard and respected, Aoife remarked. Her story is one of leadership, resilience, progress and compassion,” she added.

A video was shown featuring Mary’s friends and family, including her son Aengus and grandchildren, and Mary herself, with contributions also from Micheál Martin, Mary McAleese and Bertie Aherne.