New cumann launched in Newbridge

Cllr Kathleen Funchion, Mary Lou McDonald and Seán Downey at the Bob Doyle/Dinny Barry Sinn Féin cumann launch

The newly established Bob Doyle/Dinny Barry Sinn Féin cumann, Newbridge, Co. Kildare was officially launched on Saturday, 22 August. The night was very well attended, giving credence to local Sinn Féin activist Seán Downey’s statement that they “have been overwhelmed with interest from the public wishing to join the local cumann”.  
The night began with newly elected Cllr. Kathleen Funchion of Kilkenny introducing Harry Owens and Eugene McCartan who spoke of the lives of the two men the cumann has been named after, highlighting Bob Doyle and Dinny Barry’s drive and commitment to their causes. In particular connections were drawn from Bob Doyle’s battles against the Blueshirts whist in the IRA, against the fascists in Spain and his lifelong commitment to the fight against attacks on workers. It was pointed out that today we have far too many examples of such attacks, the Thomas Cook affair and Dublin Dockers dispute to name but two.
Long-serving Athy Sinn Féin Councillor Paddy Wright spoke of his pleasure at being able to welcome the new cumann personally and his delight in seeing such a great turnout and in particular the many young people present. Seán Downey  thanked all of those who had helped and voted for him in the recent local elections where he put in a strong showing as the first Sinn Féin candidate in over 20 years to contest this area.  
Sinn Féin Vice-President Mary Lou McDonald spoke of the battles ahead both nationally and locally to defeat Fianna Fáil cronyism and in particular the need for organised resistance to NAMA which will burden generations of people.