Kit Ahern
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kathleen (Kit) Ahern (born January 13, 1915) is a former Irish politician.
Kit Liston was born in Athea, County Limerick in 1915, the eldest of eight children. She was educated locally and at the College of Art in Dublin. She later went on to work as a teacher. Ahern became involved with the Irish Countrywomen's Association (ICA), becoming the organisations president. She first became involved in politics in 1963 when she was nominated to Seanad Éireann by the then Taoiseach, Seán Lemass, a seat which she retained at every election until 1977.
Ahern contested the general elections of 1965, 1969 and 1973, but was unsuccessful in all three occasions. Success came in the 1977 general election when she became a Teachta Dála for Kerry North. It proved to be a landslide election victory for Fianna Fáil. It was also the first time that two Fianna Fáil TDs had been elected in the Kerry constituency, the other deputy being Tom McEllistrim, Jnr. Ahern only served on term as a member of Dáil Éireann as she lost her seat in 1981 and retired from national politics. She was also a member of Kerry County Council.
Ahern was a lifelong promoter of the Irish language, and is the aunt of the famous Kerry Gaelic footballer, Eoin Liston. She is the oldest living former Oireachtas member.
