New Clare county councillor’s focus on the community

TOM O’Callaghan, set to become the county’s newest Fianna Fáil councillor, has vowed to do what he can to help the Clare community, recalling the support his own family received when struck by tragedy.

The postmaster was chosen by Fianna Fáil party members at a selection convention in Hotel Woodstock on Sunday evening. He will fill the role on the Ennis Municipal District vacant after former councillor Mark Nestor left to join the priesthood.

Mr O’Callaghan, who is from Kildysart but is based in Clarecastle, secured 48 votes at the convention and was declared victorious on the first count. He will be formally ratified as a member of the local authority at the December meeting of Clare County Council.

He told The Clare Champion that on the night of the election, thoughts turned to his sister Yvonne who sadly lost her life 20 years ago in a horse-riding accident.

“It was very devastating, a very tough time for my family. Tragedies happen in many homes all over the country in different ways, bereavement is a very difficult time for any family. I can honestly say what helped us pull through all of that was the community rallied around us.

“I’m absolutely committed to do everything I possibly can to be of help to our community and that’s why I’m thrilled with now being elected as a new councillor on Clare County Council. My sister Yvonne would have been absolutely thrilled.”

He recalled his grandfather the late Michael Lawlor from Ballynacally who was a staunch supporter of the party.

“I never met him sadly, but my mother speaks so fondly of his passion for Fianna Fáil. When DeValera went back through Ballyncally it was he who organised the turf on either side of the road being lit. She always said to me my Fianna Fáil roots come from my grandfather.”

He also paid tribute to his late father-in-law Patrick Enright from Drumline.

As a postmaster in Limerick city for more than 20 years Mr O’Callaghan feels he understands all too well the importance of being there for others.

“In 2013, I was very fortunate that my post office out of 1,000 offices was nominated number one for customer service in all of Ireland. Everything that I stand for is ‘we have to be there to be of help’. That is what I would like to bring to the council chamber.

“When I deal with people I have seen there can be a lack of confidence, they don’t know who to go to or trust. I would like to be that point of contact. I speak to people with different problems, health both physical and mental, loneliness, people dealing with bereavement. You have to be there to listen, and that’s what I’m all about.”

Mr O’Callaghan is urging others to get involved with the party, particularly younger people.

“We have a wonderful Fianna Fáil family. We want to see young people join Fianna Fáil. It is a party I feel very strongly which represents all.”

Also vying for selection at the convention were former Ennis Chamber President and chair of Clare Vintners Federation Darragh McAllister who received 18 votes, former Ennis councillor Bernard Hanrahan who also secured 18 votes and Amanda Major who got nine votes.

Speaking to those gathered on the night of the convention following his election Mr O’Callaghan acknowledged Mark Nestor saying, “I wish him every happiness.”

He said, “I would not be here but for the support of the members and my Fianna Fáil colleagues who encouraged me along the way and canvassed intensely over the last few weeks.”

He paid tribute to his wife Marie and son Darragh “who supported me on this journey” as well as his parents John and Evelyn and extended family.

“I will work hard as a councillor for the Municipal District of Ennis and for County Clare. There are many challenges, housing, health, rising cost of living and challenges to trade and business.

“There are so many positives: our tourism product, our airport, our music and sport, investment in education, health and infrastructures in our county. I look forward to the challenge the role will bring and I will work at finding the best solutions for our community.”

He offered commiserations to Darragh McAllister, Bernard ‘Bomber’ Hanrahan and Amanda Major.

“I am proud to be part of Fianna Fáil. I want it to be a party that my son would be proud to join, or indeed run for. Our future lies in unity, we have to unite and support our team across County Clare. United we are stronger,” he concluded.