17 July 1997 Edition
Big Sligo-Leitrim welcome for new TD
Hundreds of people turned out in Ballinamore, County Leitrim, on 6 July to welcome new Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghin O Caoláin. There was a sense of history in the air as he visited McGirl's pub and was welcomed by Bridie McGirl, widow of the late John Joe McGirl who was elected Sinn Féin TD for Sligo-Leitrim in 1957.
Accompanied by Leitrim County Councillor Liam McGirl and Sligo Alderman Seán MacManus the new TD was led by a piper up the main street of Ballinamore where a large crowd cheered him on. At a packed function in the Sliabh an Iarainn Hotel the TD was introduced by Councillor McGirl. Caoimhghin spoke of the long road travelled by the party to Leinster House and said the recent Sinn Féin victories were just a beginning and there was much work to be done to achieve peace and freedom.
O Caoláin paid tribute to all who had sacrificed so much in the years of struggle, especially the families who had lost loved ones and those who had to endure imprisonment.
Accompanied by Leitrim County Councillor Liam McGirl and Sligo Alderman Seán MacManus the new TD was led by a piper up the main street of Ballinamore where a large crowd cheered him on. At a packed function in the Sliabh an Iarainn Hotel the TD was introduced by Councillor McGirl. Caoimhghin spoke of the long road travelled by the party to Leinster House and said the recent Sinn Féin victories were just a beginning and there was much work to be done to achieve peace and freedom.
O Caoláin paid tribute to all who had sacrificed so much in the years of struggle, especially the families who had lost loved ones and those who had to endure imprisonment.