Coming Back Home
Posted by Alan Kelly on June 11, 2009 at 10:10 AM
I got back to my home village of Portroe early on the 9th to be met by a huge crowd of supporters and well wishers. I have to say it was one of the most special nights of my life. Before that I was met by a large convey of cars at the county bounds near Limerick to welcome me home. We proceeded in a convey through Nenagh and out then to Portroe. The village of newly elected Cllr. Jonathan Meaney, County hurling manager Liam Sheedy (and goalie Darren Gleeson), the brillant musician Gerry O'Connor and of course Aoife Kelly, our Rose of Tralee. It is a small parish but one of the most united in the country and I'm exceptionally proud to come from there.
We met at the cross of Portroe and walked up to the hall and I've never experienced anything like it. Inside the hall, my good friend and our outgoing Cllr. Sean Creamer was MC for the night and everyone spoke from the heart, most of all myself. I dedicated the night to Christy Ryan RIP, who had recently passed on and was a long standing and proud member of the Labour Party. I was delighted to meet his wife Julia en route and his son Pat is a key member of the local branch as well.
A great night was had by all and it went on into the 'wee' hours. It was great to see Ger and Frank Lewis to welcome me. Two former Laour Cllrs and renowned local Union leaders. They are in many ways the rocks of the local Labour party and it was great to deliver for them and all those who have rallied to the cause down through the years.
Of course a night like that in Portroe can only finish with a rendition of 'the Village of Portroe' and it duly happened, when the fantastic Bid Sheedy sung it for us all.
Permanent link | Categories: Portroe • Nenagh • Sean Creamer • Jonathan Meaney • Labour • Ireland South • Munster • Tipperary
