'Shop local' urges Cllr Keelan

A Republican his whole life, Sinn Fein was the natural home for Cllr Noel Keelan when he entered politics.

The veteran politician has been elected in eight consecutive local elections since 1999: “By accident more than design, I was proposed at a meeting in the Inniskeen area as a very young man, 27 years ago I was elected the first Sinn Féin councillor for the South Monaghan area and the rest is history.”

He is happy to work with councillors of all political backgrounds and opinions for the betterment of the town, municipal district and county.

Deeply rooted in Carrickmacross, Cllr Keelan was born and reared there and he has been "delighted" to have been involved in many "positive" developments over the years.

Describing his role as a public representative as a privilege, he thanked all those who supported him. "My area reduced and boundaries changed. In my hinterland, where relations and friends live, they cannot vote for me. Yet, my vote has stayed steady and increased.”

Cllr Keelan has long championed road safety and for a public CCTV scheme in the town.

He is proud of the role he played in the Convent Lands development and the infrastructure provided therein, which includes the swimming pool site: “The swimming pool is a legacy issue for Carrickmacross.

My family going back 30/40 years and others have paid money for the development of the swimming pool. It's good to be on the council to see that project moving forward.

That’s a big-ticket item for Carrickmacross and South Monaghan.”

Cllr Keelan is strong on shopping local; it is one of the themes of his term as Cathaoirleach of Carrickmacross-Castleblayney Municipal District: “Shopping local is so important because local businesses pay business rates which support the council. They provide local employment and support all of the various community and voluntary organisations.”