Fermoy/Mitchelstown Cumann launched as Sinn Féin membership surges locally
Sinn Féin activists in the Fermoy and Mitchelstown areas are reporting a surge in new party members, reflecting a trend across the country. A large attendance of members was recorded at the first AGM which elected a new board of officers.
The cumann is named after Liam Lynch, a native of Angelsboro, who is buried in Kilcrumper cemetery just outside Fermoy. The cumann now represents the local election areas of Fermoy encompassing Araglin, Ballindangan, Ballyhooly, Ballynoe, Bartlemy Castletownroche, Castlelyons, Clondulane, Coolagown, Conna, Doneraile, Glanworth, Killavullen, Kilworth, Rathcormac and Shanballymore.
Current elected officers include John Coleman (deputy chair), Marian Coughlan (treasurer), Kate O’Connell and Roisin Hannon (joint PROs) and Wayne Coleman (cumann secretary).
“There has always been a strong base of support for Sinn Féin in the area but we are delighted to see a new wave of party activist coming to the fore,” said Pat Buckley, Sinn Féin TD for Cork East.
“Local cumainn are important structures to make sure local issues are represented at a national level. Especially when we think of picking up the pieces from the current crisis. We’ll have to be organised to protect vital community services and the small businesses that keep our areas going.
“Happening over Zoom it was a very different experience to normal, but we look forward to being out on the doorsteps and in our communities meeting people and working towards real change as soon as circumstances allow,” Kevin Hannon, newly elected cumann chair said. “The party is in a very strong position right now, and with our own elected TD Pat Buckley and a good membership base and an excellent cumann and committee, there is no reason why Sinn Féin cannot but go from strength to strength in the area.”
A new role for the cumann is the role of United Ireland Officer, the officer elected is Seamus Coleman.
“Political events of the last number of years and the fall out from a Brexit that the majority of people rejected in the north brings the prospect of a united Ireland closer than it has been in a long time. My role for the coming year will be to start conversations and debate with people and groups outside of Sinn Féin, as well as within, on how a united Ireland can be beneficial to all the people of this island,” Seamus outlined.
“We encourage anyone who wants to see change happen, to get involved in the party and join Sinn Féin on the road for real change. Anyone who is interested can contact us on our social media platform ‘Fermoy/Mitchelstown Sinn Féin’ Facebook page or register directly on www.sinnFéin. ie/join-sinn-Féin,” says Kevin McCarthy, membership officer.
You can also find out more on the life of Liam Lynch on the Fermoy/Mitchelstown Sinn Féin Facebook page.