Dr John Sheehan, a GP with a practice in Blackpool who lives in Clogheen, has been selected as a Fianna Fail candidate for the Cork North West Ward, the newly formed ward that encompasses the northside of Cork city and Blarney, Tower, Killeens, Clogheen-Kerry Pike, and Rathpeacon. John, who has served as a public representative for the past eight years, has seen first hand the challenges that people face on a daily basis, from problems with housing, anti-social behaviour, healthcare, education and the growing issues around drug and alcohol abuse. “I believe that it is important that we speak out and try to address and find solutions to the many problem facing us as a community,” Dr Sheehan said when his nomination was announced, ” We must bridge the disconnect between the authorities and the people. I have found in my time as a representative by engaging with individuals and community groups we can find a solution to many issues and problems.” A father of four children, all of whom went to national school in Blarney, John was Chairman of the Scoil Chroi Iosa Blarney Board of Management during the transition from two single gender schools to one mixed school, and is also a former Blarney scout leader. “Every day we are challenged to make a difference,” he told The Muskerry News, “The population in our area is going to grow by 50% in the next 20 years, and we need councillors who will ensure that the issues experienced in our area will be kept to the forefront of local policy, and most importantly that the Blarney area isn’t left behind.” John considers himself privileged to live in such a beautiful part of the country which is only ten minutes away from his busy GP practice in the heart of the northside. John, pictured with his wife Aedamar, said his work as a doctor is not dissimilar to his work as a councillor as both challenge him to maximise his knowledge, expertise and experience for the good of his patients and constituents. Passionate about making a difference and finding ways to unlock the potential of those less fortunate, he concluded by saying that, whatever the outcome of the 2019 local elections, if he had his time over he would do it all again!
