Labour Party reflects on good year in Kells

The Kells branch of the Labour Party had a very successful year, holding two seats on the town council and increasing the Labour vote, chairman Joe Rourke told the branch's annual meeting recently. He pointed out that Cllr Brian Collins gained an all-time high vote in the area for Meath County Council, finishing up with over with over 1,300 votes and the members were very proud of his achievement. The chairman thanked members for their commitment in the European elections in helping regain the European seat in Leinster after 30 years with Nessa Childers winning the seat. Secretary Kay Ward gave an account of the business of the branch through the year, including Cllr Tommy Grimes being elected to the chair of Meath VEC, the first Labour Party representative ever to hold that position. She said Cllr Collins had organised the ceremony to honour the chairmen of the Meath London Association and the Meath New York Association. She said Cllr Collins's visit to New York to meet with Kells people over there had resulted in his returning home with €500 to defray the cost of covering the town's market cross. "His involvement with groups from Northern Ireland at this moment is definitely promoting Kells in a big way," she said. Ms Ward informed the branch that she would not be seeking re-election as secretary after 25 years and the chairperson and members expressed their gratitude for her services. Both Cllr Collins and Cllr Grimes gave an update on council business and members expressed grave concern about budgetary matters at recent town council meetings. They informed the meeting that they will be travelling to New York and London for the St Patrick's festivals, representing Kells at their own expense and meeting groups to promote Kells. Senator Dominic Hannigan addressed the meeting on national issues and the meeting concluded with an air of sadness remembering three stalwarts who passed away during the year - the former president, Tony Jones; Paddy Dunne, Carnaross, and Ken Horan, Fyanstown. The following officers were elected: chairman, Joe Rourke; vice chairman, Kevin Smyth; secretary, Ina Olohan; assistant secretary, Dan Eiffe; treasurer, Frank Neary; assistant treasurer, Kay Ward' women's affairs, Eileen Morgan; equality and youth officer, Brian Collins; spokesperson for the elderly, Sean Whelan; PRO, Tommy Grimes; presidents, Rex Lee and J McManus.