Tag Archives: Jimmy Deenihan

News

Jimmy Deenihan Appointed New Chairperson Of MTU Governing Body

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Jimmy Deenihan.

MINISTER for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD and Munster Technological University (MTU) have today announced the appointment of Mr Jimmy Deenihan as Chairperson of MTU’s Governing Body.

Mr Deenihan takes up the role on foot of a public process carried out by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. Mr Deenihan succeeds Mr Bob Savage, who has served in the role since January 1st.

Speaking today, Minister Harris said: “I want to thank Bob Savage for occupying this role and for his leadership at Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) over a long period of time. We are indebted to him for stepping into this role and helping MTU become a reality.”

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“I want to congratulate Jimmy on his new role and wish him all the best. Technological Universities are at the heart of our higher education system and I am so pleased Jimmy will be helping us on that journey. I look forward to visiting MTU over the coming months.”

MTU is Ireland’s second technological university, following the establishment of TU Dublin.

President of MTU, Prof. Maggie Cusack said: “On behalf of MTU I wish to sincerely thank Bob for his utmost professionalism and dedication to MTU over the past six months, and the years before that in his capacity as Chairperson of CIT’s Governing Body.

“I also extend a warm welcome to Jimmy as our new Chairperson, for what will be a pivotal post-establishment period. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as a senior Government Minister, opposition spokesperson in a wide range of portfolios, and long-standing public representative. I look forward to working closely with him and the rest of our Governing Body as we strive to continue the progress of MTU in fulfilling its functions, mission and values as a Technological University.”

News

PHOTOS: Taoiseach Attends Fine Gael’s Night To Honour Jimmy Deenihan

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Jimmy Deenihan and his wife Mary at the Fine Gael celebration in his honour in The Rose Hotel. Photo by Dermot Crean

AN Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was among 300 people in The Rose Hotel last night to celebrate the political life of a man who served Kerry in ministerial offices over the years.

Jimmy Deenihan, who retired from political life earlier this year, was feted by the Fine Gael party and the invited guests including many who canvassed with him, local councillors, party members and colleagues from cabinet over the years.

“Well, it’s a nostalgic occasion…a bit earlier than when I’d have liked it to be!” Jimmy told TraleeToday.ie prior to going into the Lee Suite, where the guests would enjoy a meal and entertainment.

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Jimmy Deenihan with Bridie and Brendan Harrington, Ballyheigue, at the Fine Gael celebration in honour of Jimmy Deenihan in The Rose Hotel. Photo by Dermot Crean

“I really appreciate the fact that the party went to so much trouble to organise such a big event and it gives me an opportunity to thank members who canvassed with me over the years and who stuck their necks out for the party and for me,” he said.

He was also happy to see many of his ministerial colleagues from over the years down for the occasion.

“I’m delighted that they’re down here as they’re all close friends of mine and it’s important for me that they’re here. And of course the Taoiseach coming here is also very important,”  said Jimmy, who received presentations on the night for his years of service.

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Having served as a Senator from 1983 to 1987, as well as being a TD for north Kerry from 1987 to 2016, Jimmy Deenihan served as Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry from 1994 to 1997, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht from 2011 to 2014 and Minister of State for the Diaspora from 2014 to 2016.  Scroll down for photos…

An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar with Jimmy Deenihan at the Fine Gael celebration in honour of Jimmy Deenihan in The Rose Hotel. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Eoin, Siobhan and Conor Galvin, Finuge, at the Fine Gael celebration in honour of Jimmy Deenihan in The Rose Hotel. Photo by Dermot Crean
Minister Brendan Griffin, Sean Kelly MEP, Mary Deenihan, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Jimmy Deenihan at the Fine Gael celebration in honour of Jimmy Deenihan in The Rose Hotel. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Juanita and David Giles and Grace O’Donnell at the Fine Gael celebration in honour of Jimmy Deenihan in The Rose Hotel. Photo by Dermot Crean
Helen Galvin, Jamie Dillane and Róisín Griffin at the Fine Gael celebration in honour of Jimmy Deenihan in The Rose Hotel. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Jim Mahony, Mayor of Kerry Cllr John Sheahan and Denis Hegarty at the Fine Gael celebration in honour of Jimmy Deenihan in The Rose Hotel. Photo by Dermot Crean
Michele King, Mark Sullivan and Eibhlín Henggeler with Minister Brendan Griffin at the Fine Gael celebration in honour of Jimmy Deenihan in The Rose Hotel. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Frank Quilter, Jimmy Diggins and Mairead Fernane at the Fine Gael celebration in honour of Jimmy Deenihan in The Rose Hotel. Photo by Dermot Crean
Senators Jerry Buttimer and Paul Coghlan, Minister for Justice and Equality Charlie Flanagan, Minister of State in the Departments of Enterprise and Innovation an Senator Colm Burke at the Fine Gael celebration in honour of Jimmy Deenihan in The Rose Hotel. Photo by Dermot Crean
News

Jimmy Deenihan Confirms He Has Retired From Political Life

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Jimmy Deenihan.

FORMER government minister and North Kerry TD, Jimmy Deenihan, has confirmed he will not run in the next general election and has retired from politics.

He made the announcement on Radio Kerry’s ‘Kerry Today’ programme this morning.

“It was a considered decision. I look back over my career with a lot of pride and sense of achievement,” Mr Deenihan told host Jerry O’Sullivan.

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“I was reflecting on my achievements over the years and they were many. I certainly think I repaid the confidence that the people of north Kerry showed in me.”

“I think it’s time for Fine Gael in north Kerry to get new people, to get new energy into the party. I developed a great organisation in north Kerry. We had some really great results both at national and local level. I just think it’s time for another standard bearer to take on that responsibility. I gave it 24/7. I’m satisfied that I gave politics and the people of Kerry 100% over the past 33 years.”

However, Mr Deenihan is still active in the community and intends to stay so.

“I’m going to continue to work for the community and the people of Kerry. I did get a big vote in the last election and I don’t want to leave them down either. I’m involved in many organisations including the Kerry Recreation and Sports Partnership,” he said.

News, Sport

Jimmy Deenihan Takes Up New Role

 

Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Michael O’Shea with Jimmy Deenihan, the new Chairperson of the Kerry Recreation and Sports Partnership. Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD ©

FORMER Kerry GAA star and former minister, Jimmy Deenihan has taken up the position of Chairperson of the Kerry Recreation and Sports Partnership.

Jimmy Deenihan said he was honoured to be taking up the role: “I am passionate about sport and recreation and all of the enormous benefits they bring for participants and the wider community. Very shortly we will be publishing a new sports and recreation strategy for the county and I look forward to working with the stakeholders in promoting our programme of work in the years ahead.”

Kerry Recreation and Sports Partnership comprises representatives from a range of organisations and agencies in Kerry, all working towards increasing participation rates in sport and physical activity, whilst developing and delivering sport and physical activity at a local level.

The Partnership includes representatives of An Garda Síochána, Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, HSE, ITT, Kerry County Childcare Committee, Kerry County Council, KDYS, Kerry Education and Training Board, the Primary Principal Schools Network, Public Participation Network, South Kerry Development Partnership, and representatives from the business and leisure sectors.

A number of successful programmes associated with the Partnership include Go For Life (for older people), Kerry’s Safer Cycling Programme (primary school children), ‘parkruns’, and Swim for All (for people with disabilities).

Welcoming Jimmy Deenihan’s appointment as Chairperson, the Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Michael O’Shea said he would bring a wealth of experience to the role which would be combined with his passion for sport and recreational pursuits.

“Kerry County Council is proud to play a key role in the Kerry Recreation and Sports Partnership and I want to acknowledge the valuable work the Partnership is doing in promoting sport, recreation and physical activity in the county through the support of Sport Ireland. Jimmy Deenihan will bring additional vision and drive to the board and I have no doubt his appointment to this role will have a very positive impact,” said Cllr O’Shea.

News

Kerry Gets 12 New Garda Cars This Year

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One of the many new Garda cars issued to stations around the country.

TWELVE new Garda cars will be arriving in Kerry this year.

Already six have been issued in the county with a further six to hit the roads of Kerry in the coming weeks.

In addition to this 2015 allocation, €27.5 million was invested in new Garda vehicles nationally between 2012 and 2014.

“Our local Gardaí will be really bolstered by this influx of new vehicles, which is part of the Government’s comprehensive plan to fight crime” said Minister for the Diaspora, Jimmy Deenihan TD, welcoming the news this week..

As well as increasing the number of Garda vehicles, the Garda training college in Templemore has recently been reopened.

“It is great to see Templemore rejuvenated again with 300 new students entering the college last September and another 250 recruits starting their training this year, bringing the total to 550,” said Minister Deenihan.

 

News

Sod Is Turned On €1.7m Extension Work At Mercy Mounthawk

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Minister Jimmy Deenihan turns the sod for new extension work in Mercy Mounthawk secondary. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Minister Jimmy Deenihan turns the sod for new extension work in Mercy Mounthawk secondary. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

WORK has commenced in Mercy Mounthawk on a €1.7 million project which will improve and develop facilities in the school.

The extension will contain seven classrooms,  four resource rooms an extended canteen space – which will double as a performance space – and a new toilet block.

At the turning of the sod in Mounthawk were, Minister Jimmy Deenihan, Mayor of Tralee Jim Finucane and Arthur Spring TD.

The extension was made possible through the allocation of a devolved grant from the Department of Education.

“We are very thankful to our local politicians and especially Minister Deenihan for their support in delivering this development,” said Mounthawk Principal John O’Rourke.

“The realisation of this project has also been made possible through the reliable support of the parents – through  very considerable and ongoing fundraising. We undertook an ambitious plan to raise €250,000 to provide for the extension of the canteen space and with the support of the parents and the local community we are halfway through to that target,” said John O’Roarke.

While the project is taking place over the next year it will bring an injection of work into the Tralee area.

The design team is led by Liam Waldron and Cathal Sheehy from MRG consulting in Tralee and the contract was won by Evans and Kelliher from Milltown.

 

News

The Sod Finally Turned On New School in Blennerville

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At the turning of the sod for the new National School in Blennerville were, from left: Caoilinn Cullou, Terry O’Sullivan and Rory Daly. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

EIGHTEEN years is a hell of a long wait for work to begin on a new National School in Blennerville, but that day finally came on Monday morning.

“We’ve been waiting for this day an awful long time,” said principal of Blennerville National School, Terry O’Sullivan.

A brand new two storey school will be built on a site next to O’Shea’s Texaco in the village. Planned as a 60 week project, it is hoped pupils and staff will be in the new school by Christmas 2015.

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The new school will incorporate eight classrooms a PE hall and various administrative offices. It is expected that up to 100 people will be employed in the construction of the school between sub-contractors and the main contractors themselves, representing a boost for the construction industry in the Tralee area.

“The kids are so excited, the building site is in close proximity to the school so they can hear and see the diggers everyday. Parents are ecstatic because it was promised, then pulled by the last government in 2006,” said Terry O’Sullivan.

With the building of the new school, the old schoolhouse, which has stood since 1932, will be knocked to make way for a car-park. The new building will bring an end to the temporary prefabs that have been used to teach junior classes.

“It is a lovely building, but we have to knock it because that will be the only access to the new school,” said Terry.

At the official turning of the sod were Kerry TDs, Micheal Healy-Rae (Ind) and Minister Jimmy Deenihan (FG).

“They’ve been waiting so long for this school,” said Jimmy Deenihan TD. “It’s great for the teachers because they were working under difficult circumstances and from the pupils point of view, there will be a much better atmosphere around the place. This is also a good project to keep the contruction industry in the Tralee area – which has been hit very hard – ticking over,” said the Minister.

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Turning the sod for the new National School to be built in Blennerville were, Rory Daly (Pupil Blennerville National School) Terry O’Sullivan (Principal Blennerville National School), Fred Garvey (Chairman of the board of Management) and Jimmy Deenihan TD. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
News

Chamber Alliance Praises Deputy Deenihan As He Departs Cabinet

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Jimmy Deenihan who lost his place at the cabinet table in the reshuffle on Friday.

THE Tralee Chamber Alliance has expressed disappointment at Jimmy Deenihan losing his seat at the cabinet table last Friday.

“Tralee Chamber Alliance is disappointed that Jimmy Deenihan has lost his seat at the Cabinet Table,” read a statement from the Alliance.

“However, we look forward to working with him in his new role in the Department of An Taoiseach. Jimmy did an excellent job in his role as Minister for the Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht since taking up the position in 2011, and his leaving statements are an indication of the man – dignified and bearing no resentment.”

“We know that Jimmy will continue to work hard for his constituents and we look forward to continuing our relationship with him,” read the statement.

News, POLITICS

Bad News For Jimmy Deenihan As He Loses Senior Cabinet Post

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Minister for State, Jimmy Deenihan.

THERE was bad news for North Kerry/ West Limerick Deputy Jimmy Deenihan this afternoon, when it was announced that  has lost his position as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in the cabinet reshuffle.

Instead he has been moved to Minister for State at the Department of the Taoiseach and Gaeltacht with special responsibility for the diaspora.

Fine Gael’s Heather Humphries is newly promoted to Arts and Heritage post.

A number of other changes were announced including Leo Varadkar replacing James O’Reilly for the Health portfolio with Reilly moving to the Department of Children.

Labour’s Alex White is the new Communications Minister with new Deputy leader of Labour Alan Kelly taking up Environment. Limerick Deputy Jan O’Sullivan moves on to Education.

Labour’s Pat Rabbitte loses his  Cabinet position and Phil Hogan has been announced as Ireland’s next EU Commissioner.

Fine Gael’sPaschal Donohue moves up to Transport, Tourism and Sport, Charlie Flanagan is the new Foreign Affairs Minister and Simon Coveney takes Defence as well as Agriculture.

Paul Kehoe continues as Minister of State at the Department of Defence and Government Chief Whip.