Fine Gael adds Kilfinane man to election ticket

HOMELESSNESS, youth mental health, farming and tourism are just some of the areas Tommy O'Sullivan will focus on if elected to Limerick City and County Council.

The Kilfinane man has been added to the Fine Gael ticket for Cappamore-Kilmallock. He will now join party colleagues Cllr John Egan, Greg Conway and Noreen Stokes on ballot papers in June.

Mr O’Sullivan, who narrowly missed out at the local selection convention, said he was “honoured” to receive the call from Fine Gael headquarters.

“I have worked hard within the community over the last 20 or so years and it’s great to be recognised by the party. I want to thank my supporters and the local branch of Fine Gael for their continuing and unwavering support,” said Mr O'Sullivan, who is married to Cora, a community development officer.

They have one daughter, Rebecca, a primary school teacher.

Mr O’Sullivan also works in the education sector as he is the caretaker of Scoil Pol, Kilfinane.

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“I see the importance of youth inclusion and activism in local communities. I have received enormous support from the Board of Management, staff and all the kids here in the school, and I wish to thank them for this,” said Mr O'Sullivan, who played up to U21 hurling level for Limerick.

He points to his role in setting up Kilfinane Community Council and chairing it for eight years, his involvement with the Red Cross and Ballyhoura Development as credentials for higher office at the Local Elections this summer.

When asked about his manifesto, he referred to his convention speech. “The homeless numbers are too high - this is a scandal and needs fixing,” said Mr O'Sullivan, who has strong roots in the farming community and sees great opportunities for young farmers.