Minister for Justice officially opens Tipperary TD Ryan O'Meara's new Thurles office

Fianna Fáil TD for North Tipperary and Northwest Kilkenny, Ryan O’Meara, has officially opened his new constituency office in Teach an Chúinne, Parnell Street, Thurles. This marks a significant milestone for the party in the region and sees Deputy O’Meara deliver on a key election commitment to provide accessible, local representation to the people of Thurles and surrounding areas.

The office was officially opened by the Fianna Fáil Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan TD, at an event attended by a large crowd of local supporters and Fianna Fáil members. Among the special guests was former Minister for Education and Thurles native, Mary Hanafin, who joined the celebrations in a building long associated with the Hanafin family’s proud legacy of public service.

Speaking at the opening, Deputy Ryan O’Meara said:

“This is a proud day, not just for me personally, but for Fianna Fáil in Thurles and across North Tipperary and Northwest Kilkenny. This office is steeped in history, but it also represents a new beginning. I made a promise to open a dedicated office in Thurles to serve this area, and I’m proud to deliver on that commitment today.

“I am particularly grateful to my friend and colleague, Minister Jim O’Callaghan for taking the time out of his busy schedule to join us in Thurles and officially open our new office here.

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“Teach an Chúinne is regarded as the natural home of Fianna Fáil in Thurles, having served generations of Hanafin public representatives. Built by the late Johnny Hanafin, who served for many years on North Tipperary County Council, Teach an Chúinne was always a hub for local and national politics in Thurles town. Des Hanafin also worked out of this landmark building, both as a North Tipperary County Councillor and Senator. So too did Binkie Hanafin during her many, successful years on North Tipperary County Council, as well as John Hanafin both as a local County Councillor and Senator. Most recently, Seamus Hanafin retired from public life in June 2024 after years of dedicated service as a County Councillor, including as Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council in 2015/16.”

The new office will be open every Friday from 10am to 5pm, with Deputy O’Meara holding a weekly constituency clinic from 2.30pm to 4.30pm every Friday, offering direct access to constituents seeking advice or support.

“This office will be a hub for listening, solving problems, taking action, and delivering. I want to be available to the people I represent right across this Dáil constituency, and opening this office will ensure that I am as accessible as possible to anyone who requires assistance. That’s what real representation means and that’s what this office is here to provide,” he added.

The opening was met with a huge turnout and a warm response, signalling a renewed energy and confidence in Fianna Fáil’s presence in the town and region. With a commitment to strong, visible, and responsive representation at both local and national level, the new office marks a positive step forward.