Mallow Chamber president to run for Council seat on Fianna Fail ticket
IT emerged this week that wellknown local businessman Pat Hayes has been added to the Fianna Fáil ticket in the Mallow electoral area for the forthcoming local elections in May.
Party headquarters made the announcement that Mr Hayes, who is the current president of Mallow Chamber, will seek election to Cork County Council alongside sitting Fianna Fáil councillor Gearóid Murphy.
Mr Hayes, who is married to Dana and has two daughters, Patricia and Beverly, hails from Blackrock Park in Mallow and is the son of Joe, who was the former postmaster in Mallow, and Dot Hayes.
A fitter by trade, Mr Hayes holds a BSc degree in Business Enterprise Management, is the owner of Country Lifestyle in The Spa, Mallow and has for many years been a key figure within the local business community.
His keen interest in promoting Mallow as a visitor hub for the north Cork region has seen him gain certificates in Tourism Business Practise and Tourism Learning (with Failte Ireland).
This interest has been reflected in his involvement in helping to organise many local events, including the hugely successful Racing Home for Easter Festival, which attracts huge crowds to the town each year. He has also been involved in a variety of local fundraising initiatives.
An avid sportsman, he has represented Ireland on four occasions at the World Fly Fishing Championships.
Speaking to The Corkman about his nomination, Mr Hayes said that he had always had an interest in politics and welcomed the opportunity to become further involved through his nomination. “I am honoured that Fianna Fáil have selected me to run for Cork County Council in the Mallow area, a region that is dear to my heart and, if elected, I will work hard to promote the area in any way that I can,” said Mr Hayes.
He said he was aware there were many challenges facing the Mallow area over the coming years and felt that he had the experience and local knowledge to meet them head-on, to “improve Mallow and its surrounding towns and villages”.
“In particular, given the fact that agriculture is a vitally important sector for the region I intend to be a strong advocate for the local farming community,” he said.