Two men who helped to launch a new political party in Killarney three decades ago, and watched proudly as it grew and prospered, were remembered in a poignant manner at the annual general meeting of the Kerry Independent Alliance.
Donie Doody and Andy O’Sullivan – who both passed away late in 2024 – were very actively involved when the then South Kerry Independent Alliance was formed in 1994 and their political acumen, passion for the community and vast experience ensured the new organisation got off on a sure footing.
Former long-serving councillor Michael Gleeson paid tribute to both men and spoke of the high esteem in which they were held, both within the party and by the wider public.
He recalled the courageous decision they, and others, made in 1994 to set up their own political party and the pride they felt at seeing it grow from strength to strength over the years, through tireless work and campaigning on their part.
Members of the O’Sullivan and Doody families were present at the AGM, which took place in the Torc Hotel in Killarney, and they were presented with a photograph of the original founding members, taken over 30 years ago.
Cllr John O’Donoghue, who was co-opted to the seat vacated by Michael Gleeson in June 2021 and was very comfortably elected in his debut local elections last June, also paid tribute to Donie Doody and Andy O’Sullivan.
He said while for his generation joining the party was a very easy fit as it was well established, he could scarcely imagine the enormity of the decision by the founding members to go their own way and set up their own party with no guarantee of success.
He acknowledged the role both men played up until the time of their passing, guiding him through the political landscape, and he said it was something he deeply cherished and would forever be grateful for.
Cllr O’Donoghue said a very special moment for him was when invited to address Seanad Éireann last year, meeting Andy O’Sullivan at the train station and seeing how much it meant to him to see Kerry Independent Alliance heading off for Leinster House.
“Both Donie and Andy leave an incredible legacy and while deeply missed, they will always be very fondly remembered,” the Kerry Independent Alliance councillor said.
He also thanked all those who supported his campaign through their selfless hard work canvassing and said that without that great team, ably led by Director of Elections, Seán Kavanagh, none of the success would have been possible.
Tributes were also paid on the night to retired primary schoolteacher and Kerry GAA legend Michael Gleeson for his years of public service. He was a councillor for 38 years, spending 30 of those with Kerry Independent Alliance.
Cllr O’Donoghue commented on how it was often remarked to him when he joined the council about the integrity of Michael Gleeson and how he always tried to take the right decision, even if it wasn’t the popular one at the time.
“He is still a great source of wisdom and provides invaluable guidance,” Cllr O’Donoghue said.
A presentation was made to Michael and his wife, Kathleen, and they were thanked for all they have done and Cllr O’Donoghue also thanked the people of Killarney, East Kerry and the wider county for their continued support.
“It is deeply appreciated and never taken for granted. We promise that the Kerry Independent Alliance will continue to do all we can for the people of our area and we look forward to our shared future together,” he stated.
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