Jimmy Deenihan

Jimmy Deenihan

(James) Jimmy Deenihan (born 11 September 1952 in Listowel, County Kerry) is an Irish Fine Gael politician. He is currently a Teachta Dála for Kerry North and Fine Gael Spokesperson for Arts, Sport & Tourism. He is also a former Gaelic footballer.

Jimmy Deenihan was born in Listowel, County Kerry in 1952. He was educated at St. Michael's College, Listowel and the National College of Physical Education in Limerick, as well as time spent in college in England. He worked as a teacher in Tarbert Comprehensive Secondary School near Listowel. Deenihan was appointed to Seanad Éireann in 1982 as a nominee of Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald. During this time he became a member of Kerry County Council. He was elected to Dáil Éireann for the first time in 1987 general election and was re-elected at every subsequent election.

Deenihan has held a number of Front Bench portfolios including Youth & Sport (1988-1992) and Tourism & Trade (1992-1994). In 1994 Fine Gael came to power and he was appointed Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry. In 1997 he became Party Spokesperson for the Office of Public Works. In 2002 he received his current position as Opposition Spokesperson for Arts, Sport & Tourism.

As well as his political career Jimmy Deenihan has had a very successful sporting career. He won five All-Ireland Football medals with the Kerry football team in 1975, 1978, 1979, 1980 and 1981 when he captained the team. He was the recipient of a GAA All Stars Award in 1981.

Preceded by: Tom McEllistrim, Jr (Fianna Fáil)	Fine Gael Teachta Dála for Kerry North 1987–	Succeeded by: Current Incumbent
Preceded by: Brian O'Shea	Minister of State (with special responsibility for Food and Horticulture) 1994–1997	Succeeded by: Ned O'Keeffe