Tullamore and District Fine Gael honour Molly Buckley
Veteran Fine Gael member and former Councillor, Molly Buckley, was honoured at a special event in the Bridge House last week for her contribution to the Fine Gael party and also for her long years of service to the community.
At the appreciation night in the Bridge House, Cllrs John Clendennen, Liam Quinn and Deputy Charlie Flanagan joined with Molly's family and friends for the occasion, which honoured her years as a member of Tullamore Town Council and Offaly Co Council.
The event heard that her dedication to working for her constituents was exemplary with her "can do" approach being highlighted by Cllr John Clendennen.
Cllr Liam Quinn, spoke about the good working relationship they had on the Council and all worked together for the good of the community.
Deputy Charlie Flanagan outlined some of Molly’s many achievements in the voluntary sector, including being a founding member of Offaly Domestic Violence Support service; a founding member and Chair of the Rights for the Elderly Voluntary housing Association, with 16 house for older people; a founding member of Midlands Simon Community and also a founding member of the Offaly Volunteer Centre, where she is still an active member.
He also spoke about her involvement in the education sector, being a member and former Chair of what was the VEC now LOETB; a member of the Board of management of Tullamore College, Gallen Community School, Clonaslee College and Birr outdoor education centre.
Deputy Flanagan highlighted the work Molly Buckey is doing with the members of the Ukrainian community in Clonaslee in tandem with a very active Community group in the Laois village and he mentioned her voluntary work oversees in Mozambique, Zambia as part of the work of Power4Good, and a trip she made to Haiti with Maeve Bracken to help set up a Health Centre, following a big fundraising campaign. He added that her vast experience as a public health nurse has been invaluable in all her undertakings.
The great support provided to Molly Buckley by her husband, Jim, and her family was also highlighted in Charlie Flanagan's citation, and he also mentioned her eight grandchildren.
In making a presentation to Molly, Deputy Flanagan was anxious to point out that she is not retiring. "This is ony half time" he quipped.
Molly thanked everyone for coming and also for the lovely presentation which she said she will cherish. She also thanked Michael Hickey, Kevin Wrafter and Tommy Mc Keigue for organising the appreciation night.
She said it was great to see her family, friends and her Fine Gael family here, all of whom do great work themselves and she also praised the ongoing work of volunteers.
‘I enjoy everything I do" she said "and I’m always helped with a great
team of volunteers."