Bandon's links with Healy Rae dynasty

IT’S a political dynasty that is second to none down Kerry way, and now the latest of the Healy Raes is ready to continue that tradition by taking a seat on Kerry County Council. 

But Maura Healy Rae, daughter of Danny, will be commuting to her new position from West Cork, where her day job is teaching English and History at St Brogan’s College in Bandon.

 ‘I didn’t expect to be selected so soon to replace my father on the Council, but I’m looking forward to it,’ said the 25-year-old, who has been teaching in Bandon for the past two years.

‘I have a lot to learn and I’m under no illusions about what lies ahead,’ Maura told The Southern Star.

‘The area I will be covering is huge, but I will work on the issues that people will bring to me. I canvassed for my father during the recent election and it was a massive achievement for both him and my uncle Michael to do so well and get elected.’

Maura will continue to commute from her home place in Kilgarvan to Bandon, while balancing her new role as a councillor with Kerry County Council.

‘Most of the Council work will be at evenings and at the weekends, and I’ll be doing a lot of work on the phones and attending full Council meetings once a month,’ she said.

Maura will join her brother Johnny on the Council.

Danny Healy Rae and his brother Michael became the first siblings ever to be both elected in the same constituency, with Michael receiving 20,378 first preference votes, while Danny received 13,826 votes after transfers.

‘It’s been an exciting time alright here in the school and the students and staff have all been great since the news broke that I have been co-opted for my father’s seat in the Council,’ added Maura.