Maynooth YFG History

Whereas some of our sister college branches across the country can boast of a history of Fine Gael activity stretching back to the early days of the state's history, we in Maynooth are not quite so fortunate. For most of the college's history, it was the predominant seminary in Ireland, inevitably curbing student political activity. However, even by the 1980s this was beginning to change as more and more lay students began to apply to Maynooth, while the entry of the college to the NUI system in 1997 really opened the doors to new and exciting societies as student numbers began to rise.

Some influential national figures have studied at St. Patrick's college, Maynooth. Kevin O'Higgins was briefly a seminarian before he shot to prominence as a national Leader in the 1920s, while John Hume's student years are remembered each time we pass through the doors of the fabulous building named in the former SDLP man's honour. Yet, active branches or organized political bodies never really got going at the college.

There have been various attempts over the years to establish Fine Gael in Maynooth. Around the time FF Minister Mary Hannifin was a student here, Brian Hayes was articulating the point of view coming from the blue corner! In the early 1990s there were concerted attempts to establish a branch.

The first branch was established in 1994-5 with an initial membership of over 40. YFG had a vibrant branch in NUI Maynooth during the following years under the chairmanship of Shane Morris. The branch went from strength to strength with campaigns to save the old swimming pool, renewing the Maynooth SU constitution, Dail visits, FG speakers, articles in college mag, and even coaching two bus loads of folks into the cinema on Parnell Sq to view Michael Collins.

Branch activity quietened down around the turn of the millenium but underwent a revival in September 2001 when Aida Goold, then President of YFG, set about establishing more college branches. Twenty people signed up to YFG on recruitment day, giving renewed life and growth to the branch. Barry Stowe became the branch chairperson with Gary O'Daly becoming secretary. Numerous talks were hosted that year while branch members canvassed for numerous FG candidates in advance of the 2002 General Election. They also did some polling in numerous parts of the Kildare North constituency and were in attendance for Michael Noonan's address to the Fine Gael Ard Fheis in the City West Hotel.

The following academic year of 2002-2003, saw the branch firmly establish itself. Fine Gael had just been wounded by the worst electoral defeat in our party's proud history. However, the party's new leader Enda Kenny travelled the country ordering activists to pick themselves up, end the period of mourning, and take democracy back to the people. It was a battle cry that did more than simply re-ignite the drive of existing members, it was one that brought over 10,000 new members into the FG organization, and NUI Maynooth was no exception. There was an increase in membership and for first the time a whole committee could be filled. Gary O'Daly's brief stint as chairperson ended when he made way for Mags O' Shea who became our first female chairperson . Matt Bruton and Brendan McNally were the privileged males on a committee dominated by five females. Again there were several events attended and hosted by this group of dedicated members. They contributed to political awareness week, had a budget debate between Deputy Richard Bruton and Prof. Moore McDowell, and various talks with Former Taoiseach John Bruton, Senator John Paul Phelan and former SDLP & FG representative Austin Curry. The following year saw the branch recruit extensively once more, with Brian Dawson becoming a committee member. The first Maynooth YFG website was given life around this time also, being established by Matt Bruton, the new chairperson, and Gary O'Daly. When the torch passed to Matt, there was an upsurge in YFG articles in "The Spoke" as the branch availed of the opportunity to spread YFG ideas and advertise events. When Matt had served his time it was the turn of Brendan McNally to chair Maynooth YFG. During this period the branch continued to grow in strength, establishing itself as a major player among the university's societies. The branch succeeded in inviting the party leader to the college for a well attended public meeting, held a talk on Northern Ireland and participated in the Coca Cola Referendum by campaigning against a ban on the product. Brendan McNally was succeeded as chairperson by Brian Dawson at the following AGM in the spring of 2004.

Brian Dawson became chair at a time when YFG commanded a strong position in Maynooth. However, the branch had lost many experienced members as people like Alan O' Kelly and Matt Bruton completed their studies around this time. The tough challenge of growing the branch fell squarely on the shoulders of Brian and his vice- chairperson Tauna McCartin. They excelled themselves on recruitment day 2004, managing to get an astonishing sixty signatures. They were subsequently able to put together a strong committee, ensuring the branch would continue to build in the coming years. Maynooth YFG gained a reputation as a well publicised society around this time, as we redecorated the college walls with posters every other week. A hectic year brought Sen. Sheila Terry to campus for a talk on Civil Partnership, Mairead McGuinness arrived for a tour of the university, Enda Kenny returned to discuss the alternative government that was emerging and Sen Brian Hayes gave a talk on the peace process.

A major achievement occured at the end of 2004 when Brian Dawson was elected to serve on the National Executive of YFG. This co-option officially recognised his organisational talents as shown on numerous occasions in Maynooth. Brian went on to become a successful colleges organizer on the Executive.

YFG canvassed in rain, sleet and snow during the two by-elections during March 2005, helping ensure victory for Shane McEntee in Meath and a strong performance from first time candidate Darren Scully in Kildare North. In April, the AGM brought the curtain down on a successful year for the branch as we also bade farewell to branch stalwart Tauna McCartin. Mel Farrell was subsequently elected chairperson.

A new year brought renewed optimism and a new website.

www.maynoothyfg.com was the brainchild of Brian Dawson and the new committee was able to use the site to their full advantage. Recruitment day resulted in 65 people signing up as branch members, while our colourful stand attracted a great deal of attention. New members were treated to a visit to Leinster House in early October while various debates on campus were attended by branch members. Our first major event saw Brian Hayes address our meeting on the origins of the party, while in November Cllr Katie Ridge spoke on our behalf in a debate on the Ferns Report. With a National Conference due in February, some serious fund raising was required. Nora Owen was invited to attend as quizmaster for our Christmas themed table quiz. This event was the biggest fundraiser held in the college that semester, YFG were clearly leading the way among the societies. The new status of our branch within YFG became strikingly obvious at February's National Conference. We led a delegation in excess of twenty to the Ramada Hotel, where Orlene, Clive and Brian helped us take the Conference by storm. Following Conference, we once more filled the "Venue" when party leader Enda Kenny completed his tour of the college in March by addressing a crowd in excess of 200 people there. Fergus O'Dowd, shadow Environment Minister, then spoke on our behalf at the L&D British Empire debate, bringing an end to a highly charged year. View our online archives from this era!

Having firmly established itself as one of the bigger, more vibrant societies in NUI Maynooth, Young Fine Gael looks forward to the challenges ahead, sure of its future and proud of its record!

View the current committee

List Of Chairpersons
Chairperson		Year
Shane Morris		1994 - '07
Adrian O'Donovan		1997-?
Barry Stowe		2001- '02
Gary O' Daly		2002-'03
Mag's O' Shea		Remainder of 2003
Matt Bruton		2003- '04
Brendan McNally		Remainder of 2004
Brian Dawson		2004-'05
Mel Farrell		2005- '07 Full 2006-07 Committee
Orlene Ferrick		2007- to date