Watch as winner of Fine Gael’s selection convention makes acceptance speech

Castleplunkett native and winner of Fine Gael’s selection convention Ruth Connolly-Conboy has said it was a “privilege and an honour” to be selected to fill the vacant party seat on Roscommon County Council in her acceptance speech made last night at Tully’s Hotel, Castlerea.

Ms Connolly-Conboy who is set to be ratified at Roscommon County Council’s plenary meeting on Monday, April 28th, was selected ahead of former councillor Michael McGreal from Ballinlough, Ballintubber's Maria McCahill and Roscommon Town's Robbie McConn.

According to guest chair, MEP Maria Walsh, last night’s convention to fill the vacant seat left by Gareth Scahill’s Seanad selection was “the most contested” in the country.

Upon being announced as the winner, Ms Connolly-Conboy thanked event organisers and the staff of Tully’s Hotel for hosting the event.

In her acceptance speech the young Castleplunkett woman said, “It's absolutely fantastic to have such an audience. Going forward, I'd hope to maintain that sort of engagement and keep that momentum growing, and that support is going to be critical."

She thanked councillor Liam Callaghan and former councillor Michael Creighton for their “endless advice” and promised that she will “do my best to make you proud in the years to come”.

Councillor Callaghan, who proposed Ms Connolly-Conboy and who is also from Castleplunkett, was delighted at the selection of his colleague.

“I have to express my great admiration for everyone who contested here tonight. There was an excellent turnout and a great atmosphere here, so it's a great start for Ruth.

“I think this is a way to find gain and start growing it, and rebuilding the party and challenge hard for a seat in the next general election and in the local elections in 2029,” Mr Callaghan concluded.

*Watch below as Ruth Connolly-Conboy made her acceptance speech in Tully’s Hotel Castlerea last night.