Monaghan General Hospital was the first port of call in Tuesday's visit to Counties Monaghan and Cavan by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams. Accompanied by his party's TD and general election candidate Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, Gerry Adams paid an hour-long visit to Monaghan Hospital. He met patients and staff in the female and male medical wards.
It was then on to the ante-natal clinic in the former Maternity Unit which was shut down last year in the face of widespread opposition. The SF representatives met staff and expressed support for the fast-tracking of co-operation in health services on a cross-border basis, with Monaghan General as a strategic location in this regard.
The cavalcade proceeded to Castleblayney and Carrickmacross, where they conducted a walkabout canvass with the Sinn Féin President and the TD receiving a warm welcome from shoppers.
After visiting the town of Kingscourt, Co. Cavan, the Sinn Féin team proceeded to Lough an Lea mountain, where protesters against the proliferation of telecommunications masts and antennae have been maintaining a vigil. Ó Caoláin and Adams met the protestors and received an enthusiastic welcome. Kevin Smith of the Lough an Lea Residents Action Group paid tribute to the Sinn Féin TD's record of support for the local community.
After stop-offs at Bailieboro, Virginia and Ballyjamesduff, the party arrived in Cavan town, where a large crowd awaited them in College Street to attend the official opening of the new Sinn Féin office. Ó Caoláin and Adams addressed the gathering before the Sinn Féin President performed the official opening, dedicating the office to Kieran Doherty TD who died on hunger strike in 1981. Gerry Adams then accepted the gift of a County Cavan-handcrafted Robinson clock on behalf of the parents of Kieran Doherty.
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