Doherty praises Cavan activists

Pauline McCauley makes a presentation to Margaret Greenan

BY KATHRYN REILLY

A large crowd attended the Cavan Crystal Hotel on Saturday 13 March for the County Cavan Sinn Féin Dinner Dance. The guest speaker on the night was Senator Pearse Doherty.
Apologies were sent from Cavan/Monaghan TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, who could not attend the event because he was speaking at another event in County Meath.
Addressing the dinner, Pearse discussed the new model of membership adopted by this year’s Ard Fheis, which will open up new recruitment opportunities for the party by making it easier for more people to become involved with the party.
“Over the past five years, thousands of people have applied to join Sinn Féin  – through head office, local offices, individual cumainn, and the various colleges. Initiatives such as “Join by Text” and online applications have made it much easier for people to indicate an interest in getting involved.
“Our membership is key to delivering everything that we stand for. We need to broaden our membership so that people’s differing levels of commitment, people’s talents and potential are paramount.
“Sinn Féin will grow from the grassroots by being rooted, relevant and republican in every community on this island. Cavan is a prime example of what local activism can achieve for the republican struggle. With the re-election of your three county councillors and three town councillors, coupled with the election of Councillor Damian Brady to the Belturbet electoral area, Sinn Féin has become a dominant force in County Cavan.”
Making reference to Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin’s 1997 election victory, Pearse said that Cavan and Monaghan were leading the way and that the decision to run a two-candidate election strategy in the next general election would give inspiration to party activists and members the length and breadth of the state.
On the night a special presentation was made to Margaret Greenan on her retirement from the Sinn Féin office in County Cavan. Margaret has been the cornerstone of Sinn Féin operations in Cavan since the opening of the office nearly a decade ago. Councillor Pauline McCauley made the presentation on behalf of Cavan Sinn Féin and all the councillors and thanked Margaret for all the hard work she has put in.

Pictured at the Sinn Féin Dinner Dance are (from left to right) Cllr Charlie Boylan, Cllr John Martin, Cllr Damian Brady, Cllr Pauline McCauley, Senator Pearse Doherty, Cllr Paddy McDonald and Cllr Harry McCabe