Ex-GAA coach to run in general election
Peter Chap Cleere to contest general election for Fianna Fáil
GRAIGNAMANAGH’S Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere will hope his winning ways on the camogie pitch will translate to his political career.
The former Carlow senior camogie manager has thrown his hat into the ring to represent Fianna Fáil in the Carlow Kilkenny constituency in the upcoming general election. Last year, he guided the Carlow ladies to their first National League title in seven years and a Leinster final appearance against Kilkenny.
The former Borris College student, who lives on the Kilkenny/Carlow border with his wife Brenda and four daughters, has been a local councillor for the last ten years, representing the people of the Callan Thomastown Municipal District. He topped the poll in his recent local election victory in June.
Cllr Cleere has a very strong affiliation and association with Carlow, and south Carlow in particular, jokingly telling “I’m half Carlow”.
He is a former chairperson of Kilkenny Carlow Education Training Board (KCETB), a position he held for six years. He played a central role in ensuring funding was secured and helped ensure that projects for the very impressive Tyndall College and the Carlow Institute of Further Education were delivered and are now state-of-the-art facilities for students of Carlow and its environs.
He is currently chairperson of Borris College, of which he has been a member for the last ten years. His eldest two daughters are currently students in the school, while his youngest are in primary school in Skeoughvosteen.
An enthused ‘Chap’ said he would be “both thrilled and honoured” to represent the people of the constituency.
“I’d love the opportunity and I’ll work tirelessly for the people of Carlow Kilkenny on a national level,” he said.
