Séamus Kirk facts for kids

Séamus Kirk was an Irish politician. He was born on April 26, 1945. He was a member of the Fianna Fáil political party. Mr. Kirk served as the Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann from 2009 to 2011. The Ceann Comhairle is like the speaker or chairperson of the Irish parliament. He was also a Minister of State from 1987 to 1992. For many years, from 1982 to 2016, he was a Teachta Dála (TD). A TD is a member of the Irish parliament, representing the Louth area.

About Séamus Kirk

Early Life and Family

Séamus Kirk was born in a place called Drumkeith, in County Louth, Ireland. He is married to Mary McGeough. They have four children: three sons and one daughter. The family lives in Knockbridge, which is also in County Louth.

Education and Early Career

Mr. Kirk went to school at CBS Dundalk. Before he became a politician, he worked as a farmer. He also gave advice to other farmers about agriculture.

Sports and Community Involvement

Séamus Kirk was also a talented footballer. He played for the Louth county team. He has always been a strong supporter of the GAA in Louth. He was part of the Louth GAA Committee. This group helped to raise money and develop the Darver Project. This project created a training pitch for all the GAA teams in County Louth. He also supported Knockbridge Tidy Towns. This group works to make his local village a beautiful place.

Séamus Kirk's Political Journey

Starting in Local and National Politics

Séamus Kirk began his political career in local government. He was a member of Louth County Council from 1974 to 1985. He was first elected to the Dáil Éireann in November 1982. He took over from Eddie Filgate, another politician from Louth. After that, he was re-elected in every election until he decided to retire.

Serving as a Minister of State

From 1987 to 1992, Mr. Kirk was appointed as a Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture and Food. This was an important role where he helped with farming and food policies. He even became Ireland's first Minister for Horticulture. Horticulture is about growing fruits, vegetables, and plants. During this time, he helped create an organization called Bord Glas in 1990. Its goal was to help Ireland's fruit and vegetable industry grow.

Becoming Ceann Comhairle

In October 2009, Séamus Kirk became the Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann. He took over from John O'Donoghue, who had resigned. The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, suggested him for the role. He won the vote against another politician, Dinny McGinley. This made him the second TD from Louth to hold this important position.

Retirement from Politics

In September 2014, Séamus Kirk announced that he would not run in the 2016 general election. This meant he would retire from national politics. Another politician from his party, Declan Breathnach, kept the Louth seat for Fianna Fáil.

Sporting Achievements

• O'Byrne Cup: 1963
• Leinster Junior Football Championship: 1966
• Cardinal O'Donnell Cup: 1968
• Louth Junior Football Championship: 1967
• Ranafast Cup: 1964