Six Galway by-election candidates to face public at Tonn na Clé event
A panel discussion featuring Galway West by-election candidates will take place in Galway city next week, bringing contenders before the public to answer questions and discuss the campaign.
The event, organised by grassroots group Tonn na Clé, will see six progressive candidates take part in Ceol and Caint for Change on Monday, April 20.
Those attending are People Before Profit’s Denman Rooke, Independent Sheila Garrity, Sinn Féin’s Mark Lohan, Social Democrats’ Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich, the Green Party’s Niall Murphy, and Labour’s Helen Ogbu.
Tonn na Clé, which emerged from Catherine Connolly’s presidential campaign, is promoting a “Vote Left, Transfer Left” initiative ahead of the by-election, which is expected to be held on May 22, 2026.
A spokesperson for the group said: “Catherine Connolly’s presidential campaign showed that when the left unites, it wins. That same energy, ‘Vote Left, Transfer Left’, can ensure this seat is filled by a candidate who will continue Catherine’s work.”
“This seat carries not just parliamentary responsibility, but also reflects the social, cultural and moral tone of Galway.”
Candidates will take questions from the public and discuss “how progressives can work together to win this seat”.
The discussion will be moderated by John Cunningham, with a musical performance by composer and harpist Úna Ní Fhlannagáin, who is based in Barna.
The event is co-hosted by Keep Left and Slí Nua and will take place at 6.30pm at the Róisín Dubh. Admission is free, though advance booking via Eventbrite is recommended.
Galway City mayor Mike Cubbard was the latest candidate to come forward for the seat, running as an Independent candidate. Also, on the docket come May will be: Independent Ireland Councillor Noel Thomas; independent Councillor Tom Welby; Aontú’s Orla Nugent; and Fine Gael’s Seán Kyne.