Strong new candidates in Nenagh's Local Elections make for stiff competition

This year, the Nenagh electoral area has a very strong selection of candidates fighting for the five available seats. With just eight candidates, there will only be three to miss out, but which three is hard to say.

Out of the eight candidates not currently sitting on the council, two unsuccessfully ran last time around.

The Labour Party’s Louise Morgan Walsh was just edged out by Cllr Hughie McGrath in the final two counts last year. Her popularity last time around and her familiar name on the ballot cards gives her a strong chance at a seat this year. Louise’s work alongside fellow Labour Party member Alan Kelly TD on the Nenagh Hospital and St Conlon’s Nursing Home issues are also sure to stand to her with this year’s voters.

Sinn Féin’s Damian O’Donoghue rejoins the battle after his 2019 loss stronger than ever. He lost out last time after the third count but Damian has put in the hard work over the past five years and become a strong voice for action in Nenagh town. In particular, his work on the local emergency department, St Conlon’s Nursing Home and presence at other community activism events will bode well with voters. Sinn Féin’s popularity amongst the younger cohort of voters is also sure to give him a boost.

The three candidates entering the race for the first time are Fianna Fáil’s Ryan O’Meara, the Green Party’s Iva Pocock and Fine Gael’s Eleanor Maher.

Ryan O’Meara is the youngest of the candidates at 28-years-old. Despite his young age, he has a strong background in politics. With an undergraduate degree in Economics, Political Science and International Relations and a Masters of Common Law from UCD, there is no questioning Ryan’s political know-how. In recent years, he has worked as parliamentary assistant for TD Jackie Cahill and as Director of Nenagh Credit Union. Ryan is also Chairperson of Nenagh Darkness Into Light and member of several other community groups including the North Tipperary Agricultural Show.

Iva Pocock has lived in Cloughjordan since 2015, when she moved there to co-found the Cloughjordan Ecovillage. A background in journalism and communications, as well as a strong record of environmental campaigning, makes her another very worthy candidate in the race. Some of her most relevant work includes campaigning with Tipperary Together for Yes and her efforts as part of the Tipperary Housing Strategic Policy Committee.

The final candidate in the race is Fine Gael’s Eleanor Maher. With support from fellow Fine Gael members, Cllr Ger Darcy and MEP Sean Kelly, she is another force to be reckoned with. Ms Maher is a native of Carney and is the manager of the Ardcroney, Carrigahorig and Milford Group Water Schemes. Her experience working with community infrastructure and planning as well as support from her local community puts her in a strong position.

All Nenagh candidates running for the first time in the Local Elections this year have a good shot at a seat. Their varied backgrounds will make for an interesting spread of votes.

Whether or not they achieve a seat, each candidate has shown that regardless of council membership, they will continue to be a passionate and active voice in their respective communities.