Capacity crowd at Michael Lowry's election launch
The Ragg near Thurles was buzzing for the launch of Michael Lowry’s election campaign launch. The capacity attendance heard from a host of speakers from across the constituency, representing education, disability services, farming, business and sport.
As he prepares to go before the electorate for the seventh time, Michael Lowry said that he never takes anything for granted in elections.
“People judge politicians on their work record,” he said, “and I have consistently worked hard for Tipperary. My record of delivery over the years has been steady and dependable, my commitment to continuing to work for the people I represent is unwavering. I am entering into this election with the same level of enthusiasm and obligation to deliver as I had when I entered politics.”
Mr Lowry, said he was loving the campaign so far. “I look forward to meeting and engaging with as many people as time allows during the course of this election campaign. Lowry Team canvassers will visit all areas in North Tipperary and North Kilkenny and my diligent staff are available Monday to Friday to assist those who call.”
GUEST SPEAKERS
Guest Speakers included Holycross/Ballycahill Clubman, Declan Carr, who Captained Tipperary to win the 1991 All-Ireland Final and is the proud holder of two All-Ireland medals, three Munster and an All-Star Award.
Also speaking was Brendan Maher, who is regarded as one of the great talents of Tipperary hurling with three Senior All-Ireland medals, three All-Star Awards and five Munster Championship titles.
Evelyn Nevin, who represented the Lowry Team on Thurles Urban Council and is renowned as a great community activist with a passion for special needs, disadvantaged and vulnerable young people, spoke at the launch.
Dr Martin Fitzgerald, a teacher with a career that spanned 40 years in both the post-primary and third level was among the guest speakers. Martin spent four years as Principal and eight years teaching at MIC in Thurles.
Holycross native and Secondary School teacher Noel Buckley was also there to back Mr Lowry. Mr Buckley served as Project Manager for the Tipperary Down Syndrome Project, ‘Meitheal 21’, at the request of Mr Lowry. Noel is a founding member of Gaelscoil Cluainmeala and a strong advocate of community development.
Distinguished public affairs consultant, political commentator and former senior government advisor, Gerard Howlin, gave a most informative and insightful look into his work.
There were also contributions from two of the Lowry Team councillors, Cllr Micheál Lowry and Cllr Pamela Quirke O’Meara, who spoke of the importance of the network of the Lowry Team in ensuring a widespread focus on matters of importance across the Constituency.
Director of Elections for the upcoming election, Mr Philip Kinane, who has a wealth of knowledge and expertise on the Agri and Food Industry and who is also a highly respected member of the IFA, donned his political hat to urge caution by saying: “There are those who say that Michael Lowry’s seat is safe. No seat in any election can ever be considered safe and candidates need Number One votes to ensure their election. If you want Michael Lowry to work for you in the next Dáil term, he needs your Number One Vote.”