Car Tourismo Banner
Home » News » Celebrating 90 years of Fianna Fáil in Clare
Deputy Éamon Ó Cuiv speaking at the Clare Fianna Fáil ceremony. Photograph by John Kelly.

Celebrating 90 years of Fianna Fáil in Clare


CLARE Fianna Fáil commemorated the 1916-1923 period and the 90th anniversary of the founding of the political party at a packed event in Treacy’s West County Hotel, Ennis, last Sunday. The guest of honour was Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív, grandson of Eamon de Valera, the founder of the Fianna Fáil party.

Pat Kirby and Nora O'Brien, daughter of volunteer John O'Brien, looking at an old gun. Photograph by John Kelly.
Pat Kirby and Nora O’Brien, daughter of volunteer John O’Brien, looking at an old gun. Photograph by John Kelly.

An exhibition of War of Independence memorabilia, together with family heirlooms and documents, were on display. The exhibition is the largest one seen in the county to date.

The event was opened by the organising committee chairperson, Mary Crawford, who paid tribute to all members of the Volunteers and Cumann na mBan for their role in helping to set up the new State.

She also paid tribute to the nine Volunteers whose families were in attendance and who lost their lives in the period.

A reading of the Proclamation by Eoin Neylon, president, Ógra Fianna Fáil, was followed by poetry, song and music.

In his address, Mr Ó Cuív recounted the origins of Fianna Fáil and the party’s enormous contribution to today’s politics. He spoke about setting up government and parliamentary reform.

Eoin Neylon and Deirdre Barry at the Clare Fianna Fáil event. Photograph by John Kelly.
Eoin Neylon and Deirdre Barry at the Clare Fianna Fáil event. Photograph by John Kelly.

He referred to the issues of today, including homelessness and social deprivation, and compared them to 90 years ago.

The party leader’s grandson, affectionately known as Dev Óg, paid tribute to all those involved in the independence struggle and commended the family members of those involved.

Mr Ó Cuív presented commemorative medallions to the family members present.

Patrick Moloney, on behalf of Clare Comhairle Dail Ceantair, acknowledged the work of the organising committee for putting the event together.

Check Also

Clare Pyrite Action Group chair joins Sinn Féin local election ticket

Sinn Féin’s chances of winning a seat in the Killaloe Electoral Area have been boosted …