Sinn Fein announces seven candidates to run in Kilkenny Local Election 2024

Sinn Féin has confirmed a number of candidates to run in the upcoming local elections in June following a selection convention in the Club House Hotel.

The party says it plans to run two candidates in each local electoral area (LEA) in Kilkenny, most of whom have now been selected.

One returning figure will be former councillor David Kennedy from Ballyhale, who was previously elected county councillor in the Kilkenny City East LEA in 2014. This election cycle, Mr Kennedy will be running closer to home in the Callan-Thomastown LEA.

David Kennedy, Kathleen Funchion TD, Stephanie Doheny

Also running in the Callan-Thomastown area will be Stephanie Doheny, a native of Callan. Ms Doheny has been working closely with local TD Kathleen Funchion in her constituency office on Patrick Street.

Running in Kilkenny City LEA are Evan Barry and Mark O’Farrell. Mr  O'Farrell, who has lived in Kilkenny all his life, is a passionate and accomplished metallurgist by profession.

Kilkenny City native Evan Barry currently works on Sinn Féin’s national policy advancement in Leinster House, a position he’s held since November 2020.

Councillor Denis Hynes is seeking re-election in Castlecomer LEA, alongside a future running mate who is yet to be selected.
Cllr Hynes joined Sinn Féin in November 2021, partway through his term as county councillor, having initially been elected as a Labour Party candidate.

In the south of the county, Natasha Newsome Drennan and Michael Wemyss are running in the Piltown Municipal District.  Ms Newsome Drennan is working in the disability sector and says she is appalled by lack of services provided to the most vulnerable, especially for children with additional needs.

Mr Wemyss is no stranger to local politics, having helped re-establish his local Sinn Féin Cumann in South Kilkenny. He says that working for the local authority has made him acutely aware of the many problems facing the people of Kilkenny.

Kilkenny TD Kathleen Funchion expressed her satisfaction with her team.

“I am delighted to be working with this group of highly talented, dedicated and enthusiastic candidates,” she said.

“I have gotten to know each and every single one of them personally, and I am confident in their ability to lead the positive change we need to see in Kilkenny.”

Councillor Denis Hynes said Sinn Féin is the party Ireland needs at present.

“Ireland’s health service is in shambles, people of all ages are priced out of the housing and rental market – all while the cost of basic goods and necessities spirals out of control,” he said.

“If I am lucky enough to be re-elected, I will endeavour to put families and workers first, and continue tackling the many crises my constituents face on a daily basis.”

Former councillor David Kennedy said sport would be an important part of his campaign platform.

“These are vital institutions and resources that are being neglected, and it is our most vulnerable citizens – the elderly, our youth – who are suffering most as a result,” he said.

“I believe we need to invest in and revitalise our public parks, playgrounds and pitches, and by doing so rekindle our community spirit.”

In Kilkenny, Mark O’Farell said he has known so many friends and family members who are struggling to cope with the increased costs of living.

“The worries people have – where will I get food? How will I afford rent? – all of these take such a toll on people’s mental health,” he said.

“We need better access to mental health services, and I will work my absolute hardest to deliver this for the people of Kilkenny.”

Evan Barry said: “As your county councillor, I will work tirelessly to bridge the gap between local and national concerns. I am acutely aware of the failed government policies affecting our youth, and public concerns around runaway government departments. I am here to listen to you, and to help with all issues that are within my power as county councillor to do so."