Tom Ryan erected a blockade on his land as part of his ongoing dispute with Limerick City and County Council | PICTURE: Adrian Butler
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11 Sept 2025
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11 Sept 2025
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Patrick O'Donovan was re-appointed to cabinet this Thursday following Micheál Martin's election as Taoiseach
LIMERICK Fine Gael TD Patrick O'Donovan is back in the Cabinet, taking on the role of Minister for Arts, Culture, Communications, Media and Sport.
He moves from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
His appointment was confirmed this Thursday evening by new Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
Earlier, the Fianna Fail leader was elected as Taoiseach.
Mr O'Donovan, who hails from Newcastle West was first elected as a TD for Limerick at the 2011 General Election, and retained his seat in 2016 and 2020.
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He was returned for a fourth occasion in last November's election, being the first member elected in the three-seat Limerick County constituency.
Married to Eileen, he is the father of three children - one boy and two girls.
He was co-opted onto the old Limerick County Council in 2003 to replace former TD Michael Finucane following the end of the dual mandate, which allowed councillors to serve in the Dail at the same time.
The Newcastle West man retained his council seat at the 2004 and 2009 local elections, before beating William O'Donnell onto the Fine Gael ticket to contest the 2011 general election.
Up until the last General Election, he was the Minister of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, having been appointed in Simon Harris's first cabinet.
Previous to this, he was Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport then Junior Minister at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. He also served at the Office of Public Works.
It's unclear whether Limerick's other Fianna Fail or Fine Gael TDs will get junior ministerial positions.
These are due to be announced next week.
Mr O'Donovan's constituency colleague, Niall Collins was a Minister of State for Skills and Further Education.
Fine Gael Limerick City TD Kieran O'Donnell served as a Minister of State at the Office of Public Works.
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