Seán O’Grady (b. 1945) (Part 1)

Track 1: Seán O’Grady recalls his father, John, who served on the Urban District Council in Killarney for eleven years from 1963, and in 1974, Seán himself was co-opted onto the Council for Sinn Féin. He also recalls his early adulthood and his involvement in the recent Troubles while a member of the republican movement under Tomás Mac Giolla and Cathal Goulding. He also discusses his decision to enter the political arena following the split in the republican movement. Track 2: Following the retirement of Mikey Leary in 1963, Seán explains that his father, John O’Grady, was co-opted onto the Council where he was very active in housing in Killarney. Track 3: Seán discusses his own involvement in the water treatment plant in Killarney, and he gives his views on the media reportage of Council meetings and decisions. He recalls his work in helping to save the Presentation Brothers’ Monastery from demolition. Track 4: The fact that Killarney Town Hall is a focal point for the town is emphasised, and he recalls his five terms as Mayor of Killarney and the work he undertook during those periods. He also explains his reasons for not running for election for local government in the future.