Two hopefuls miss out on local election run after FF convention in Ballyjamesduff EA

Cllr Philip Brady and Nathan Galligan were deemed elected.

Two candidates seeking the nomination to run for Fianna Fáil in the upcoming local elections in the Ballyjamesduff Electoral Area failed in their bid following the selection convention in Crover House Hotel on Tuesday.

Matthew Boylan and David Cahill both lost out after sitting councilors, Philip Brady was unanimously elected to go forward while Nathan Galligan emerged victorious following the selection process by members.

During his exit speech, Mr Boylan, a former Cavan County Council employee said he sought the nomination in an effort to “give something back”. In his role as a revenue collector, he pointed out that he learned a lot about the needs of people and their communities as he chatted to them while collecting monies and rent during his 35 years working for the local authority.

“Really it was a golden opportunity to hear about the problems of the day,” he continued before adding that in many instances he found himself passing on the more serious matters to the “relevant sections” in Cavan County Council.

Mr Boylan then spoke about the recent Ard Fheis which he described as a “great success”. “It was extremely well attended and thanks to all our delegates from Cavan who attended,” he added.

The local elections hopeful also pointed to the register of electors and highlighted the importance of those vying for a seat to “really listen” to what the people are saying to them while out on the campaign trail.

“The current register came into force on February 15 last and can be changed up to 4 days prior to election day. Everything can be done online now so if there are any changes to be made or additional information needed, it’s easily accessible and it will be important for candidates to keep an eye on that.”

In conclusion, Mr Boylan added; “I want to thank everyone who voted for me and even the ones that didn’t, I’ll get over it. I want to wish Philip and Nathan the very best of luck over the next few weeks.”

Meanwhile, David Cahill, a disability advocate in Co Cavan was one of four candidates seeking the Fianna Fáil nomination to run in the Ballyjamesduff Electoral Area.

He told those gathered that he was delighted to be in a position to contest the convention and pointed to how “Fianna Fáil is a party that continues at great pace to be one that represents the people”.

“As we leave here this evening in this idyllic setting of rural Co Cavan, let us leave here united in our candidates Philip and Nathan and in our European Candidates Barry Cowan, Niall Blayney and Lisa Chambers,” he continued.

“It is up to us, the members, to go knocking on doors and ensure that one, two vote for Nathan and Philip and a one, two, three for Barry, Niall and Lisa. People need to be asked and should be asked to vote for our candidates.”

Mr Cahill went on to thank those who voted for him at the convention and highlighted how his journey towards getting a seat on Cavan County Council had come to an end. “My role now is to assist Nathan in his campaign so we can get as many votes as possible to get him across the line,” he added.

“That of course will be a challenge as we face three Fine Gael candidates; one from Aontu; three Fine Gael candidates; and Shane P O’Reilly (Independent). There are 10 candidates competing for six seats but it is a challenge we can overcome. Thank you to everyone for coming out and voting and remember when we are on the doorsteps, don’t forget to smile!”.

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Brady, Galligan all the way for FF in Ballyjamesduff Electoral Area