GALLERY: A ribbon-cutting bonanza for Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Tipperary

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin made time in what must be a busy schedule to visit North Tipperary on Monday, November 9, for a series of official openings.

Accompanied by his Fianna Fáil colleague, local TD Ryan O’Meara, the Taoiseach began his visit in Dromineer, where he officially opened the new Water Sports Facility on the shores of Lough Derg. He then travelled to Nenagh to open the new SYS Financial headquarters before finishing the tour at Nenagh College, where he officially opened the new all-weather hockey pitch.

Water sports in Dromineer

Among those present in Dromineer were local TDs Ryan O’Meara, Alan Kelly and Michael Lowry, alongside Tipperary Cathaoirleach Cllr Fiona Bonfield, Nenagh Cathaoirleach JP O’Meara, Cllr Joe Hannigan, Cllr John Carroll and a number of Tipperary County Council officials.

The Taoiseach described it as a “particular privilege” to be at such a beautiful location, adding: “What a wonderful way to start the morning!”

Reflecting on the importance of water and the need to make it accessible, he said: “To avail of water and to access water, we need good facilities.”

“We have a wonderful asset here and a wonderful tourism offering, but also a facility for everybody who lives here.”

He said the development would “unlock the potential of this locality”, supporting local communities and enterprise while attracting more visitors and making it easier for them to enjoy a high-quality outdoor experience.

The facility was delivered through Fáilte Ireland’s Platforms for Growth programme in partnership with Tipperary County Council. The Taoiseach praised the partnership and said the investment would help encourage visitors to stay longer and explore more of the Lough Derg region.

He was also keen to see the lake enjoyed throughout the year, rather than just during the traditional summer season. Referring to conversations with Professor Luke O’Neill about cold-water swimming, he remarked: “Cold water is very good for you and it significantly enhances your immune system.”

He even challenged fellow TDs and public representatives to “show leadership” by taking part in an early-morning dip at Dromineer, admitting that he tended to swim at night himself…

From Lough Derg to the Galtee and Knockmealdown Mountains, the Taoiseach described Tipperary as “a very special place”, highlighting the county’s natural attractions and the potential to develop tourism throughout the year. He also welcomed the accessibility measures incorporated into the new facility.

SYS Financial opens new headquarters

From Dromineer, the Taoiseach travelled to Nenagh for the opening of the new national headquarters of SYS Financial, the Irish-owned financial advisory firm founded by Tony Delaney.

The new premises mark another milestone in the company’s expansion. SYS Financial has completed ten acquisitions since 2025 and now has assets under management of well over €1.5 billion. It employs more than 100 people nationwide, with offices in Nenagh, Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Wexford and Galway.

The Taoiseach welcomed the growth of the business from its Tipperary roots into a nationwide operation.

“The growth of an Irish business from its roots in Tipperary to a nationwide operation is a strong example of the ambition and entrepreneurship that exists in communities throughout Ireland,” he said.

He also praised the company’s investment and its commitment to creating employment in Nenagh and across the country.

For Mr Delaney, having the company’s new national headquarters in Nenagh was particularly meaningful.

“Nenagh is where our story began and, as we continue to grow across Ireland, it is fitting that our new national headquarters should be here in the town and community that have been so important to our development,” he said.

The opening also included a family tribute, with the headquarters’ boardroom named the ‘Elizabeth Suite’ in honour of Elizabeth Delaney, Tony Delaney’s mother.

Around 60 invited guests attended with many of the officials in attendance at Dromineer also attending.

Hockey pitch completes the visit

The final stop on the Taoiseach’s North Tipperary tour was Nenagh College, where he officially opened the new all-weather hockey pitch, developed through a partnership between Nenagh Hockey Club, the college, Tipperary Education and Training Board (ETB) and Hockey Ireland.

Addressing those gathered, the Taoiseach described the pitch as an important regional facility for hockey and an investment in the health and community life of North Tipperary. He praised the partnership approach, which allowed organisations to pool resources and create a facility for the wider community.

He paid particular tribute to the Nenagh Hockey Club committee and volunteers, recognising the years of work involved in bringing the project to fruition.

“Without the volunteers, without the coaches, without the selectors, and the administrative officers of clubs, we would not have the rich sporting environment that we do have in Ireland,” he said.

The Taoiseach also praised Tipperary ETB for opening the college’s facilities to the wider community, highlighting the benefits of schools and clubs working together.

“Sport is one of the great gifts of life,” he said, encouraging young people, particularly young women, to remain involved in sport for as long as possible. He also highlighted the club’s ambitions to increase participation among women and girls, people with disabilities and those from disadvantaged and minority backgrounds.

The project received approximately €475,000 through the Community Sport Facilities Fund, alongside significant fundraising.

Cllr Roger Kennedy, Chair of Tipperary ETB, also addressed the gathering, while ETB Chief Executive Clodagh Kelly described the pitch as much more than a playing surface, calling it a statement of the community’s belief in young people, participation and investment in the future.

She praised the partnership between the school, club, volunteers and wider community, and said the facility would provide a place where friendships could be formed, confidence built and community connections strengthened for years to come.

With three official openings completed, the Taoiseach’s visit showcased investment in tourism, local business and community sport across North Tipperary.