New Waterford Senator praised in first Seanad debate

The newly-elected Waterford Senator Joe Conway attended his first Seanad debate last week and was praised for his determination to seek election to the upper house.

The Independent Councillor was elected to the Cultural and Educational panel during the recent Seanad elections. A Gaeilgeoir and lifelong educator, Senator Conway was nominated to contest the election by Údarás na Gaeltachta, having been a member for many years.

The former Principal of Killea BNS, Dunmore East, was elected on the 19th Count following the confirmation of the result in a recount.

Senator Conway was joined in the chamber by family members, including a newborn grandchild, who received a special welcome from An Cathaoirleach, Mark Daly.

“We have a very special guest; she is the youngest guest here and is napping at the moment. Lasairfhíona is the first grandchild of Senator Joe Conway and his wife Sandra. She is 12-weeks-old today. We congratulate her parents and grandparents, and Senator Conway on his election.”

 The Seanad Chair noted, upon correction, that the Waterford-based Senator first ran for election to the Seanad in 1981: “If ever there was a case of try harder, fail better, try harder and succeed, it is Joe, for his perseverance and persistence. For that and for his grandchild, I congratulate him."

Then a Councillor, Conway served as the Mayor of Waterford City and County in 2023 and in 2024, but is originally a native of Ardagh, County Longford.

This fact was not missed by Longford-Westmeath Senator Joe Flaherty who attempted to claim the Waterford local for the Slashers’ county.

“I welcome Senator Joe Conway to the House. He is on loan to Waterford at the moment but he is originally from Culleenmore and Colehill in south Longford,” said the Fianna Fáil politician, who was appointed to the upper house by the Taoiseach. “Three of his sisters, who still reside in Longford, are immensely proud of his achievement.”

“I know it was mentioned that he has had a long trek here. I think he has fought three Seanad elections, and ultimately, he got here. It was four Seanad elections.

“The moral of the story is that perseverance pays off. Whether it is trying to stay happily married or go into politics, persevere at it and it might work out."