Munster Express Online

An Taoiseach Brian Cowen, Rás stage winner Sam Bennett, Bobby Power, Mattie McGrath TD and Cllr Sylvia Sheehan-Cooney outside the Nano Nagle Centre in Carrick-on-Suir on Saturday last. | Photo: Dennis Barry

On Saturday last, Taoiseach Brian Cowen visited Carrick-on-Suir, during which he called into the Nano Nagle Community Resource Centre.

There, he was greeted by a large number of Fianna Fáil supporters including Deputies Martin Mansergh and Mattie McGrath, along with his party’s candidates in both the County and Town Council elections.

Mr Cowen was “very impressed” with the facilities available for the community at the Centre and was specially taken by the beauty and splendour of the Convent Chapel.

“It is a pleasure to visit Carrick-on-Suir on such a beautiful day, one as pleasant as the ambience and warm welcome I’ve received here at the Nano Nagle Centre,” he added.

The Centre, he added, was “an excellent example of what can be achieved in a community through voluntary effort…

“The most important contribution a person can contribute to the area in which he or she lives is their time.”

Referring to our economic difficulties, Mr Cowen stated: “As with all previous recessions, the current recession will also draw to a close, and that may well come sooner than many realise.”

Following the formal proceedings, the Taoiseach enjoyed a walk in the sunshine in the car park adjoining the centre where he mingled with locals, including cyclist Sam Bennett who had won a stage of the Tour of Ireland during the previous week.

By coincidence, the stage finish was in Clara, Brian Cowan’s home town, and the Cycling Club presented a framed photograph of the finish to the Taoiseach. He also promised to speak to the Sports Council in relation to some funding for Sam Bennett.