The Day Margaret Cronin Upstaged the Tánaiste

Tanáiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dick Spring complimented Castleisland native, Beatrice Pembroke on her design work on the brochure which accompanied the road opening ceremony in September 1996. ©Photograph: John Reidy 19-9-1996

At the official opening of the new stretch of road between from Lissivigeen to Curraglass outside Killarney were from left: Doreen Casey, Doreen Horan and Chris Clifford. ©Photograph: John Reidy 19-9-1996

Kerry County Council financial controller and Castleisland native, John O’Connor (right) preparing for the official opening of the road in September 1996. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Tanáiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dick Spring cutting the ribbon to officially open the stretch of road from Lissivigeen to Curraglass outside Killarney in September 1996. Included are: John O’Leary, TD (left) and Cllr. Michael Cahill, chairman Kerry County Council. ©Photograph: John Reidy 19-9-1996

Farranfore’s Margaret Cronin was only three years old on the day then Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dick Spring, TD performed the official opening of the new £13.5m stretch of roadway between Lissivigeen to Curraglass outside Killarney.

That was on Thursday, September 19^th 1996 – twenty years ago this week.

Ribbon Cutting

The Tánaiste had just performed his ribbon cutting duties and was a line or two into his cúpla focal when the toddler stepped into his space and the crowd giggled.

Mr. Spring stopped in his tracks and gave the little girl her space and time in the limelight and they were both applauded for their light-hearted aside to the occasion.

There was also a Castleisland connection with the business side of the day. Local woman and graphic artist, Beatrice Pembroke from Killarney Road designed the colour brochure which carried the story and statistics of the opening.

Financial Controller

And Camp Road native John O’Connor was the financial controller with Kerry County Council at the time and he’s included in one of the photographs here.

Taking time away from the huddles which usually follow such events, Tánaiste Spring complimented Ms. Pembroke of her work on the publication and her contribution to the events of the day.

I wonder where Margaret Cronin is now and if she has gate-crashed any other big events since that day 20 years ago this week.

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