Jubilant scenes at homecoming celebration for new minister

“I’M OVERWHELMED, excited and a very proud Carlow woman,” beamed new minister of state Jennifer Murnane O’Connor at her homecoming celebration last Wednesday night.

The mood was jubilant among her family and supporters, who had all gathered in Carpenter’s Bar on Barrack Street to welcome her home.

It’s been 44 years since Fianna Fáil has had a government minister in Carlow, so among the party’s faithful unbridled joy surrounded taoiseach Micheál Martin’s selection of Jennifer as a minister of state at the Department of Health with special responsibility for public health, wellbeing and the national drugs strategy.

“This is a great night for Carlow, an historic night. We’re all so pleased to congratulate our minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor,” said cllr John Pender, MC for the proceedings.

“Fianna Fáil’s last minister in Carlow was Tom Nolan 44 years ago, so we are all so proud of our new minister Jennifer. We also want to thank taoiseach Micheál Martin who, in selecting Jennifer, is acknowledging not only Jennifer’s commitment but her part and the part of the party in Carlow in securing three seats for Fianna Fáil in this constituency – the best result for the party in the country,” added cllr Pender.

Hugh Conaghan, chairman of Carlow Fianna Fáil Comhairle Dáil Ceanntair, spoke of the pride felt by all when news came through of Jennifer’s appointment as minister of state and the role “everyone in this room” played in making it possible.

“Personally, I’m delighted for you, Jennifer. I know how hard you have worked, how much you deserve this and how long you have waited for this day … and I know for a fact that your father is looking down on you tonight,” said Hugh, referring to Jennifer’s father and former councillor, the late Jimmy Murnane.

The new minister’s parliamentary assistant Eugene Doyle spoke of how he had recently begun working with Jennifer, having previously worked with ceann chomhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl.

“I’m so grateful to have worked for two genuine people and I’m delighted to be here on Jennifer’s behalf. I look forward to working with you,” he added.

Mayor of Carlow cllr Fintan Pheland congratulated Jennifer on a “massive achievement, adding: “Days like today almost never happen”.

“Forty-four years since Fianna Fáil in Carlow last had a minister … most of us here weren’t even born,” quipped cllr Phelan to the amusement of all.

Cllr Phelan described it as “fantastic personal achievement” for Jennifer, her family and the Murnane family, given their dedication to public service and the people of Carlow.

Cllr Ken Murnane, brother of the new minister, pointed out that 2025 marks the 40th year of a Murnane family member’s involvement in politics in Carlow, with Ken and Jennifer’s late father Jimmy, who was first elected to Carlow Urban Council in 1985.

Ken spoke of Jennifer’s commitment, her role as a councillor, senator, TD and now a minister. “This is some privilege,” he said proudly.

“Fianna Fáil have recognised her quality, her work rate and what she does,” added cllr Murnane. “If you think of all she’s done for Carlow as a TD, imagine what she’s going to do as a minister,” he smiled.

Cllr Andrea Dalton also said it was “an historic and fantastic achievement”.

“Fianna Fáil in Carlow’s first minister in 44 years and the first female,” she said, adding that Jennifer was now one of fewer than 100 female ministers since the foundation of the state. Cllr Dalton said her appointment as minister was a testament to Jennifer’s “pure dedication and hard work”.

Cllr Daniel Pender described Jennifer as “the easiest person ever to canvas for”.

“At every door, people knew her, they like her and they always knew she would do her best for people,” he said.

“Fianna Fáil in Carlow/Kilkenny was the only constituency in the country to deliver three seats out of five and Jennifer deserves this more than anyone,” added cllr Pender.

Jennifer’s daughter Hazel McWey said that as a family they saw first-hand “the time and the sacrifice” Jennifer made, adding that politics was “the love of her life”.

“She eats, sleeps and breathes politics and thank you all for being so supportive of her; we are all so, so proud of her,” said Hazel.

“On behalf of myself and my family, we are so grateful and we know you love her just as much as we do,” added Hazel.

An emotional minister Murnane O’Connor thanked local party members, adding: “I wouldn’t be here without you all here tonight”. “Without your support, I wouldn’t be a minister of state,” she added gratefully.

“It’s been emotional and it’s a huge honour on behalf of the people of Carlow and for my family … I didn’t sleep last night; I thought of my Mam and my Dad, I thought of everything, how I became a councillor, then a senator, then a TD and now a minister. It’s one of the happiest days of my life … along with the birth of my children,” she laughed.

“Politics is seven days a week and there are a lot of sacrifices with family and not being able to be there, but for me, politics is not a job; it’s the love of my life,” said Jennifer.

“I know it’s going to be a challenge and it’s national politics now, but I have plenty of people to support me and be here on the ground, so I won’t forget Carlow,” she assured.