Tipp Sinn Féin select local election candidates in south
Tipperary Sinn Féin announces its first group of local election candidates with the selection of five candidates for the Tipperary/Cashel, Cahir, Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir Local Electoral Areas (LEAs) of South Tipperary.
Friday evening’s selection convention in Tipperary town began the process of fielding a talented team of Sinn Fein candidates for the upcoming local elections across South Tipp.
Councillors Tony Black and Annemarie Ryan from the Martin Breen Cumann, Tipperary town, were selected for the 2024 local elections in Tipperary/Cashel, and Sinn Fein representative for Cahir, Cathal Ó hÉanna was confirmed for the Cahir LEA.
Dean McGrath was selected to run in the Clonmel LEA, while current councillor David Dunne was selected for the Carrick-on-Suir LEA.
Cllr Tony Black has been a member of Sinn Fein since 2008. Originally from Lacey Villas in Tipperary town, Tony now lives on the Galbally Road with his partner and their son.
He was chairperson of the Tipp Town Against Water Charges Committee and played a key role in bringing the issue to the streets of Tipperary town, while he took a firm stand on issues including the Local Property Tax, and in opposing rising third level fees. He first elected to Tipperary County Council in 2019.
Cllr Black said: “My ambition has always been to promote the interests of the people of Tipperary. Before being elected in 2019, I campaigned relentlessly for a just and fair society.
“I have used my position on Tipperary County Council to further that ambition by speaking up for those who need representation, by exerting pressure to improve services and infrastructure such as the dysfunctional N24 layout and to promote job creation.
“I have remained committed towards all those who have been failed by successive governments, and who now face the challenge of dealing with the housing crisis and social inequality. I believe in community, and in giving a voice to those who need it.”
Cllr Annemarie Ryan became involved in local politics through her work with the community activist group March4Tipp, resulting in her successful election as an independent candidate in the 2019 local elections. She joined Sinn Fein in 2023 and is an active member of Tipperary Town Revitalisation.
Cllr Ryan said: “My focus has always been on meeting our social and economic needs through a process of local regeneration projects and representing the needs of our community. I have consistently fought for projects and approaches that will develop our rural villages and our market towns on both fronts, particularly the prioritisation of the Tipperary Town Bypass, which is a crucial element in the regeneration of Tipperary Town.
“In addition to this, a very productive working relationship has developed between myself and my LEA colleague Cllr Tony Black and Carrick-on-Suir’s Cllr David Dunne, though our commitment to improving the delivery of services across all council departments, such as housing, roads, planning and environmental protection. I look forward to continuing this work and delivering results.”
Cathal Ó hÉanna is the Sinn Fein representative for Cahir. The 30-year-old Cahir native is passionately committed to delivering affordable housing and access to necessary public services:
Cathal said: “As a young person, I acutely understand the impact the housing and cost-of-living crises are having on so many families across Tipperary and right around the country, and I’m standing as a Sinn Féin candidate in order to drive the change demanded by people.”
“The sense of community here in Cahir is incredibly important to me, and I will work hard for all the people to bring improvements to local services, housing and healthcare.”
“In next year’s local council election, Sinn Féin is fielding our largest ever number of candidates for election to Tipperary County Council. This decision reflects the expansion and strength of Sinn Féin throughout Tipperary, and our commitment to work for everyone.”
Dean McGrath was selected to contest the Local Elections in the Clonmel LEA. A well-known community activist, and member of the George Plant/Liam Lynch/Ray McCreesh Cumann.
Dean said: “It’s an honour for the Membership of Sinn Fein in Clonmel and indeed all of Tipperary to put their faith in me to represent the party in next year's local elections'
“As a party activist for many years, I've worked within the communities of Clonmel and its surrounding villages. I've seen the many struggles and pressures that so many workers and families are under but their resilience and resolve never ceases to amaze me.
“As a party, I believe that Sinn Féin can genuinely make a positive difference to so many people. We are of these Communities and very proud of it.”
Cllr David Dunne was selected to continue to represent the people of the Carrick-on-Suir LEA. David’s first local election success was in 2014. He served as Cathaoirleach of Carrick-on-Suir municipal district from 2023 – 2024.
Cllr Dunne said: “As a councillor for the last 10 years and as a father and grandfather, I know too well what’s needed in my community to make it a better place to work, live and play in.
“My priorities are in the areas of housing, roads, water and sanitation, and above all, making sure that public money works for the constituents of Carrick-on-Suir and across Tipperary, and that they get value for their money, and the services they need.
“I look forward to meeting as many people of the constituency at the doors to go through the issues effecting them and discussing how we can work together to get the job done.”
Welcoming the strong team being selected for Tipperary Sinn Féin, Deputy Martin Browne said: “Tipperary is calling for change. Tipperary Sinn Féin is answering that call by selecting the largest ever number of candidates to fill seats on Tipperary County Council. Their dedication to their communities is second to none, as is the expansion and strength of Sinn Féin throughout Tipperary, and our commitment to work for everyone. A change for the better is on its way.”