Sinn Féin selects second candidate to run in Castlebar at local elections

A LONG-TIME Sinn Féin member and local community activist has been selected as Sinn Féin's second candidate for the Castlebar municipal area in next year's local elections. 

Tony Geraghty has been selected to contest the 2024 local elections, alongside Donna Hyland who was selected for the party last month.

Geraghty, who describes himself as a 'passionate and committed community activist' has campaigned for better mental health facilities and supports, adequate funding for education, and the delivery of infrastructure that will encourage industry and jobs into the west of Ireland. Living with his young family on the Breaffy Road in Castlebar, Mr Canavan is a proud member of Castlebar Chamber of Commerce, and Breaffy GAA Club.

Mr Geraghty is also a former editor of the now-defunct Mayo Echo newspaper.

“With an understanding of the challenges and aspirations of our community, I am determined to be a strong advocate for positive change and effective representation," said Mr Canavan, who thanked his fellow Sinn Féin members for their support. 

"It is a priority in Castlebar that more housing is built. This should be public housing, affordable housing and more private housing. There is currently severe shortage of suitable housing and it is causing unaffordable rents and ridiculously high house prices. We also have a growing homeless emergency in our county town. This in turn is feeding into the cost-of-living crisis, and causing a crisis for local families, local businesses, the public sector and industrial employment.”

Speaking at the convention, Mayo Sinn Féin TD Rose Conway Walsh said her party was offering voters 'an opportunity for real change in next year’s council elections'.

“I know that if they are elected, Tony Geraghty and Donna Hyland will make a significant difference to Mayo County Council and the constituents they serve. I look forward to joining them on the campaign in the months ahead.”