ENVIRONMENT MINISTER Phil Hogan was booed at last night’s All-Ireland homecoming in Kilkenny – in the heart of his own constituency.
The incident occurred as a number of politicians and local dignitaries were being introduced to the crowd at Nowlan Park at the start of the civic reception for the victorious hurling team, who had yet to take to the stage.
Some local councillors and TDs were already present for the formalities but Mr Hogan – who has been at the heart of a number of controversies in recent months – had yet to take his place with the rest of the invited guests.
When MC Edwina Grace of KCLR FM announced the Minister’s name to the crowd, there was widespread “booing”.
However, it didn’t seem to bother the colourful TD who was on stage within a few minutes and laughed and chatted with the other guests.
“The whole crowd booed,” one observer at the reception said afterwards.
“The team was at the back of the stand, it was before they introduced the team themselves. He [Mr Hogan] arrived on the stage about five minutes later.”
The incident was also mentioned on Twitter. Broadcaster Stephen Long said: “Phil Hogan takes to the Nowlan Park stage to a chorus of boos.”
Mr Hogan is a native of Tullaroan, about 10 kilometres from Kilkenny city and also a strong hurling area and home to legendary Kilkenny wing-back Tommy Walsh.
Mayor of Kilkenny Cllr Seán Ó hArgain of the Labour Party described the booing incident as “unfortunate” and said: “Unfortunately it comes with the territory at the moment.
“People are very frustrated and very angry.“