Audrey Hennessy Kennedy (Fianna Fáil), Birr

We sent a questionnaire to all 15 candidates running in the Birr Electoral Area in the forthcoming Offaly County Council election. The responses were published in print in the Offaly Independent last Friday.

NAME: Audrey Hennessy Kennedy

ADDRESS: Breaghmore, Clareen, Birr.

PARTY: Fianna Fáil

SPECIAL AREAS OF INTEREST:

Persons with intellectual disabilities, economic development, sport in children and adults, and local representation.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING IN THIS ELECTION?

To deliver strong representation for the Birr - Ferbane electoral area. To be a voice for the people, in all matters, and in particular to assist and promote support of persons with intellectual disability, and young and adult sports groups, including all female sports in the area. I am extremely proud of the cultural and heritage aspect our our electoral area and I want to continue and contribute further and assist with the development of tourism opportunities.

WHAT ARE THE TWO BIGGEST ISSUES IN YOUR AREA?

1: Waiting list for children's dentistry and general health services. 2: Lack of inclusion, at planning stages of community and other developments, for persons with disabilities.

WHO DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY?

Katie Taylor.

Mainly because of my own love of sport and my understanding of the dedication that is required to achieve success and in particular in Katie's case, in an individual sport, her preparation strategy and her focus is admirable.

As a female, in a very difficult and competitive sport, Katie has delivered and is an inspiration to all young female sportspeople.

TELL US SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I am a past Offaly camogie player, with proud achievements including a Soaring Star Award in 2009, in the Number One jersey, to add to junior and intermediate All Ireland Championship medals.