A CHANCE meeting on a street in Tuam with presidential candidate Catherine Connolly gave Letterkenny man John Nee an opportunity to share a special moment with someone he greatly admires.

The fortuitous encounter came at a pivotal time for the Oldtown storyteller and musician, who, like so many others, is struggling to comprehend the genocide in Gaza, and the destruction of the Palestinian people.

While John has known Ms Connolly for many years, he said the timing of the moment couldn’t have been more apt, as John is
currently working on a new show, ‘The art of gentle punk’, exploring some of the dark themes of the world today.

John is putting the finishing touches to his forthcoming show, ‘The art of gentle punk’.

Speaking to the Donegal News, John said: “My shows tackle current and social issues.

“We’re living in very dark times between what’s going on in Palestine and that we’re expected to be ok with the genocide that is happening.”

John, who now who splits his time between Donegal and Galway, said meeting the independent presidential candidate has given him hope for a more inclusive Ireland moving forward.

“I was in Tuam in Galway for the day doing a small benefit show. I just happened to be on the street when Catherine Connolly came along, and we stopped to speak.

“I did a lot of fundraisers for her campaign. It was lovely to speak with her.

“What Catherine Connolly stands for really speaks to me.

“I moved to Galway 40 years ago, and Catherine has been around all that time.

“She was a local councillor before becoming a TD. But she is someone who has used her power to help the most vulnerable.

“I know people with disabilities who have asked her for her help, and she has been there for them. She very quietly goes about her work. She’s very inspiring.

“She is representing young people, and from talking with young people they feel that she is really listening to them and is representing them well.”

The touching moment shared between the pair was captured in a photograph and has been widely shared online.

Asked what they were chatting about in the photograph, John said: “I am saying to her that I am really proud of her for speaking up for the people of Palestine in the Dáil. I’m so proud of her for many different things. She is a very warm and gentle person.”

Ms Connolly’s election manifesto is that she will be a ‘strong, independent voice’ , who will be independent and represent Ireland with pride, courage and integrity. Central to this, is standing up for equality and human rights for disabled people and carers, housing, workers’ rights and a future for young people.

She is also a strong voice in support of the importance of the Irish language as a “link to our past, but as a way of seeing the world that centres interdependence, nuance, and beauty”.

The independent presidential candidate this week came under fire for her previous role as a barrister for banks in home repossession cases, with fellow presidential candidate Heather Humphreys (FG) accusing her of capitalising on people’s misfortune.

Responding, Ms Connolly said the campaign had “reached a new low by Fine Gael”.

“Catherine doesn’t sling any mud, and she has dealt with all the mud slung in her direction with humility and dignity. She doesn’t deserve the prejudice and abuse,” said John.

Ms Connolly was well received during a visit to Letterkenny, and on the streets of Dungloe, Ardara, Killybegs and Donegal Town when she came to the county in September.

And while John has not been to Letterkenny since the campaign began, he said he has been told of the “buzz around the town”.

“Most importantly beyond her great abilities and suitability, Catherine is a kind person and I think that’s what the world needs most just now,” said John.