David Stanton
David Stanton (born 15 February 1957) is an Irish Fine Gael politician. He is currently the Fine Gael Spokesperson for Social & Family Affairs and a Teachta Dála (TD) for Cork East.

Stanton was born in County Cork. He was educated at St. Colman’s Vocational School, Midleton, Sharman Crawford Technical Institute, Cork and University College Cork where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Mathematical Science. Stanton was first elected to Dáil Éireann in the 1997 general election and has retained his seat ever since. He was appointed Fine Gael Front Bench Spokesperson on Social & Family Affairs & Equality in October, 2004. Prior to this he acted as deputy-spokesperson on a number of matters.
“Excerpt from Wikipedia page for David Stanton”

This is the second trip to Emmetsburg for David and Mary, he was our Dignitary in 2008.

Ned O’Sullivan
Ned O’Sullivan is a Fianna Fail member of the Irish Parliament representing Kerry North and Limerick West. He is the spokesperson for Food and Horticulture, Health Promotion and Food Safety. He will represent the Republic of Ireland at the 2010 St. Patrick’s Celebration in Emmetsburg.

Mr. O’Sullivan was born in County Kerry and makes his home in Listowel. He is married to his wife, Madeleine and they have three sons: Sean Og, Stephen and Emmett.

He received his education at University College Dublin and St. Patrick’s College of Education, and he taught English Literature and History for a number of years. After his father retired, he took over the families’ menswear business in Listowel. At that time, he became very active in politics.

Mr. O’Sullivan served a number of terms as Mayor of Listowel (a town which has very strong links with Des Moines, IA through the Catholic priesthood in the early 20th century), and one term as Mayor of County Kerry. He was elected to the Senate in 2007.

He served as Chairman of the County Arts and Heritage Committee for many years, and his interests include: history and literature. He has published a number of volumes on local archaeology and folk history. Interestingly, he unveiled a commemorative plaque to Robert Emmett in Kerry during his last term.

The O’Sullivan Family has a long history in politics, and they were very involved in Ireland’s fight for independence. Senator O’Sullivan’s grandfather, also Ned succeeded in changing his street name from Market Street to Emmett Place way back in the days of British Rule!

Senator O’Sullivan’s wife, Madeleine was also born in Kerry. She has just taken early retirement from teaching. She stays active serving as the Director of a literary festival, and she sits as a government nominee on the board of the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin Castle.

The couple will be welcomed to Emmetsburg on Tuesday, March 16th.

John Carty
John Carty, T. D. is a Fianna Fail Member of the Irish Parliament representing County Mayo. He will represent the Republic of Ireland in Emmetsburg. John was born in Knock, Co. Mayo and makes his home in Claremorris, Co. Mayo. He married Kathleen Reagan and together have two daughters and six sons. John was educated at Knock National School, St. Patrick’s College, Ballyhaunis Warrenstown Agricultural College, Co. Meathand National University of Ireland, Maynoorth Co. Kindare (Diploma in Local History). John worked as an Agricultural Officer and Farmer prior to his election to Dail Eireann (Irish Parliament) in May 2002. He is currently a member of the Joint Committees: Social and Family Affairs (Convenor), Agriculture and Food, British/Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body. John is also Vice-President of Aughamore GGA (Gaelic Athletic Association) Club and Chairman of South Mayo Family Research Centre, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo. His hobbies include Gaelic Football, local history, genealogy, and reading. John’s wife Kathleen will accompany him to Emmetsburg.

David Stanton, T.D.
David is a Fine Gael member of the Irish Parliament representing County Cork East. He will represent the Republic of Ireland for the 2008 St. Patrick's Day Celebration in Emmetsburg.

David was born in County Cork and makes his home in Coppingerstown, Midleton Co Cork. David and his wife Mary have four sons.

David holds a Bachlelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and Mathematical Science, Diplomas in Career Guidance and Educational Administration from UCC. He was also conferred with an Honours Masters Degree in Education by the NUI in 1996.

Before being elected to the Dail in 1997 and re-elected in 2002 and 2007, David was a woodwork and technical drawing teacher and a career guidance counselor in St. Colman's Community College in Midleton. David was the Fine Gael Front Bench Spokesperson on public enterprise, agriculture & food & was the party's spokesperson on labour affairs, consumer rights and trade (1997-2000). He co-ordinates policy and Chairs Fine Gael Oireachtas Committee on disability issues (December 2002 to present).

David is a Director of Midleton and District Day Care Center, Ltd., a patron of Midleton & Carrigwohill Red Cross and is a member of the Chambers of Commerce at Cobh, Youghal & Midleton. He is a former Commissioned Officer in An Forsa Cosanta Aituil and a past member of Macra na Feirme. David's wife Mary will accompany him to Emmetsburg.

Tony Dempsey
Tony was first elected to Dáil Éireann May 2002. He is 57 years old. Tony is married to Gemma and they have 5 children: Muiris, Rhona, Shane, Fergal and Anton.

The Dempsey's have been living in Barntown for 20 years. Tony retired from teaching 3 years ago after 35 years in the profession.

He was the principal of Enniscorthy Vocational College from 1996 to 2000. When he was appointed Principal of Sheilbaggan Vocational School in south west Wexford in 1975, he was one of the youngest ever school principals in a vocational school in Ireland.

Tony is a staunch member of the GAA. He has been involved with every inter-county hurling and football team in County Wexford either as a trainer, selector or manager. Tony trained the Wexford Junior Football team to Leinster success in 2000 when they beat Dublin. He has been a member of the GAA Central Council over 20 years. Tony was appointed chairman of Wexford County Board in 1976 at 35 years of age, becoming one of the youngest ever persons to hold the position.

Michael Finucane
Michael Finucane is a member of the Irish Senate and lives in County Limerick. He will represent the Republic of Ireland at the Emmetsburg St. Patrick’s Day Association 2006 celebration.

Michael lives in Newcastle West and was born in 1943. He is married to Hannah and they have two daughters, Siobhan and Deirdre, and one son, Michael. Michael was educated in the Secondary School at Foynes and subsequently worked in a diversity of occupations, which included teaching also worked with a State Training Organisation FAS for 11 years. Senator Finucane was also involved in coordinating the Construction Project Recruitment for up to 5,000 employees for an Alumina Plant namely Aughinish Alumina Ltd. He also ran his own Recruitment Training Consultancy Business.

He was elected to Limerick County Council in 1985 and remained a member of the Council up to 2003. Senator Finucane has about 18 years experience in local administration. He was first selected as a Dail Deputy in 1989 and held that position up to 2002. In 2002 he successfully contested the Senate. Senator Finucane is one of a small number of politicians whose political experience spans both the Dail, the Senate and the County Council. His active political experience spans about 21 years.

Michael has represented his Party in many areas during his political career. He was formerly Chairman of the prestigious Public Accounts Committee. He is the Fine Gael Party Spokesperson for the Senate on Communications and Natural Resources and is a member of the Joint Committee in this area. He is the Deputy Party Leader for Fine Gael in the senate and is also Vice Chairman of the Constitution Committee.

On this trip Michael will be accompanied by his wife, Hannah. His main interests are all sports and his main forms of recreation are swimming and walking.

John Carty
John Carty, T. D. is a Fianna Fail Member of the Irish Parliament representing County Mayo. He will represent the Republic of Ireland in Emmetsburg. John was born in Knock, Co. Mayo and makes his home in Claremorris, Co. Mayo. He married Kathleen Reagan and together have two daughters and six sons. John was educated at Knock National School, St. Patrick’s College, Ballyhaunis Warrenstown Agricultural College, Co. Meathand National University of Ireland, Maynoorth Co. Kindare (Diploma in Local History). John worked as an Agricultural Officer and Farmer prior to his election to Dail Eireann (Irish Parliament) in May 2002. He is currently a member of the Joint Committees: Social and Family Affairs (Convenor), Agriculture and Food, British/Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body. John is also Vice-President of Aughamore GGA (Gaelic Athletic Association) Club and Chairman of South Mayo Family Research Centre, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo. His hobbies include Gaelic Football, local history, genealogy, and reading. John’s wife Kathleen will accompany him to Emmetsburg.

Pat Breen, T.D.
Pat Breen, T.D. is a Fine Gael member of the Irish Parliament and represents County Clare. He will represent the Republic of Ireland at the Emmetsburg St. Patrick's Day Association 2004 Celebration.

Pat was born in Ballynacally in 1957 and continues to live here in the family home. He is married to the former Anne McInerney from Killimer, Kilrush and they have two sons, Kenneth and Patrick.

Pat was educated in St. Flannan's College in Ennis, County Clare and also at Limerick Technical College where he graduated as an Architectural Technician in the late 1970's. He was elected to Clare County Council in 1999 when he secured the highest Fine Gael vote in the county on his first attempt. He is also currently a member of the Clare V.E.C. (Clare Vocational Educational Committee). Pat has extensive experience in European Affairs where he worked closely with a member of the European Parliament, John Cushnahan from 1989 to 2002. During that period he visited Europe extensively, particularly Brussels and Strasbourg with Irish Groups looking at the European Parliament and the way it works. Pat Breen is a new Dail Deputy and is Fine Gael Deputy Spokesperson on Transport and also party spokesperson on Shannon Airport. Over the last two years, as a member of the Irish Parliament he has been a strong voice for the retention of the Irish American Bilateral Agreement and a strong voice for Shannon Airport. He recently prepared a paper on the Future of Shannon for the Fine Gael front bench. He is a member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, the Select Committee on Transport and also a member of the privileges and prestigious committee that is chaired by the Ceann Comhairle. He is also a member of the House Services Committee. Pat will be accompanied on this trip by his wife Anne. His major interests are traveling, walking and has a great interest in Gaelic Football and Hurling.

Dan Neville
Dan Neville, T.D., FG is a member of the Irish Parliament and will represent the Republic of Ireland at the Emmetsburg St. Pat's Association’s 2002 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, March10th thru March 17. Neville was born in Croagh in 1946 and currently resides in Kiltannan, Croagh, Co. Limerick. His is married to the former Goretti O’Callaghan and they have two sons and two daughters. Neville was educated at Adare CBS, Co. Limerick: University of Limerick, School of Management Studies: University College, Cork (Industrial Engineering, Personnel Management, Social Science). Prior to becoming a full-time public representative, he was a personnel manager. Dan Neville is a new Dail deputy and Fine Gael spokesperson on Children since 1997. Hew was a Senator, Labor Panel, 1989-1997; Deputy leader of Fine Gael in the Seanad and spokesperson on Justice and Law Reform 1992-97. Neville is a member of the Limerick County Council since 1985; Mid-Western Health board since 1991; Association of Health Boards since 1991 and the General Council of County Councils since 1991.Mrs. Neville will accompany her husband to Emmetsburg for the celebration.

Alderman Dennehy
Alderman Dennehy, was elected to the Dail at the 1987,1989 and 1997 General Elections. Deputy Dennehy is vice-chairman of the Dail's Public Accounts Committee. He is a member of the Government Whip on it's Finance and Public Services Committee and a member of the Health Committee. He was Assistant Government Chief Whip from 1989/1992 and Co-Chairman of a committee of the British/Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body for the same period. Dennehy was educated at Scoil Chriost Ri in Cork. At Sharman Crawford Technical Institute and Cork College of Commerce. Prior to becoming a full-time politician, he worked as an Engineering Supervisor in the Irish Steel Company. Dennehy is a member and Alderman of Cork City Corporation since 1974. In local government, he has an unequalled election record, being the poll topper in four of his five elections to date. He is leader of the Fianna Fail party and the major Government party on the city council. He was Lord Mayor of Cork in 1983/1984. His special interests are Health, Finance, Planning and Community Developement. Dennehy has served the city of Cork as a member of The Board of Governors of University College Cork, as a Director of Cork Opera House, a member of the Cork/Kerry Regional Authority and on numerous other external bodies. Dennehy and his wife, Phil, have 5 sons a 2 daughters. John says politics is his hobby as well as his profession but he has a great interest in Fishing and attending Gaelic Football and Hurling games and reading. His major sporting interest was as a racing cyclist with the famous Blarney A.C.C.

Batt O'Keefe
Batt O’Keeffe, T.D.(FF) member of the Irish Parliament, will represent the Republic of Ireland at Emmetsburg during the 1999 St. Patrick’s Celebration on March 12, 13, and 14. O’Keeffe was born in Cullen, Mallow in 1945 and currently resides in Ballincollig, Co. Cork. He is married to the former Mary Murphy and has one son and three daughters. O’Keeffe received his education at St. Brendan’s College, Killarney; University College, Cork (BA,HDipED) He is a Public Representative and Lecturer in Cork Regional Technical College. Batt O’Keeffe was previously a Dail Deputy 1987-1989; Senator, Labour Panel, 1989-1992; and a candidate in the 1989 general election; Member, Cork County Council since 1985; member, Public Accounts Committee, Finance and General Affairs Committee. Cork Vocational Education Sports Advisory Committee since 1983; Higher Education Committee; Southern Health Board; Member of Enterprise & Small Business. Member, Gaelic Athletic Association and Cork Handball Board. Vice-chairman, Ballincollig Community Centre Management Committee. Cork footballer and holder of Munster medals at under-21, junior and senior levels. Cork intermediate Handball Champion, 1980.

Paul Connaughton
Paul Connaughton, T.D., member of the Irish Parliament, represented the Republic of Ireland at Emmetsburg during the 1998 St. Patrick's Celebration on March 13, 14 and 15. Connaughton was born in Co. Galway and currently lives in Mount Bellow, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. He is married to the former Bernadette Keating and has two sons and five daughters. Connaughton received his education at St. Mary's Secondary school, Ballygar, Co. Galway; St. Jarlath's Vocational School, Mount Bellew; Mount Bellew Agricultural College; Athenry Agricultural College; IMI Management Course. He is currently a Public Representative, farmer and former general manager, Tuam Livestock Market. Connaughton entered politics as a Senator on the Agriculture panel from 1977 to 1981, and was elected to Parliament in 1981. He served as Minister of state at the Department of Agriculture with special responsibility for Land Structure and development. He is currently the Fine Gael spokesperson on Energy and Western Development and Chairman of Political affairs Committee since 1993. He has served as Agriculture, Social Welfare, Regional Development, Defense, and deputy Spokesperson on Tourism.

Colm Hilliard
Colm Hilliard, T.D., member of the Irish Parliament represented the Republic of Ireland at Emmetsburg during the St. Patrick's Celebration, March 9, 14, 15 & 16, 1997. Colm Hilliard was born in County Meath in 1936. He married the former Margaret Quinn and they now live in Kilmessan, Navan, County Meath. They have three sons and one daughter. Hilliard attended De La Salle School, Navan, County Meath and Carmelite College Castlemartyr, County Cork. Hilliard is a full time Politician and Public Representative. Formerly livestock marketing manager, auctioneer and accountant with cooperative and private business. Colm Hilliard was first elected to Dail Eireann in February, 1982. He is assistant Chief Whip, Vice Chairperson of the Oireachtas (congress) Joint Services Committee, Associate Member British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body and member Oireachtas Small Business Committee. Member Meath County Council since 1979. Former Chairman of the Joint Services and Liaison Committees, member of Procedures and Privileges Committee, Oireachtas All Party Committee for Public Expenditure. Member of Fianna Fail Party Policy Committees for Social Welfare, Agricultural, Finance, Taxation and Northern Ireland.

John Browne
John Browne, T.D., member of the Irish Parliament represented the Republic of Ireland at Emmetsburg during the St. Patrick's Celebration, March 10, 15, 16 & 17, 1996. John Browne, was born in County Clare in 1936. He married the former Nancy Looney and they now live in Carlow with their son and three daughters. Browne attended St. Flannan's College, Ennis, St. Patrick's Teacher Training College, Dublin and Maynooth and University College, Galway. He received a Hi Diploma in Education, a NT, BA as well as diploma in Social and Economics and Science. He taught school a number of years and was the former chairman of North Carlow Branch Irish National Teacher's Organization. Browne entered politics as a nominee of the Prime Minister to the Seanad in 1983 and was elected to parliament in 1989. He is Convenener of Fine Gael (FG) Party, Group Leader of Legislation & Justice & Health (including care of the aged). Browne is a full-time public representative.

--1995 Dignitary