One key for a politician to thrive is t̶o̶ ̶t̶i̶e̶ ̶h̶i̶m̶s̶e̶l̶f̶/̶h̶e̶r̶s̶e̶l̶f̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶l̶o̶c̶a̶l̶ ̶s̶p̶o̶r̶t̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶s̶u̶c̶c̶e̶s̶s to show a genuine passion for sport to communicate with the regualar voter.
Bertie Ahern, for example, helped forge a career out of this, although was often criticised for his loyalty to non League of Ireland side Manchester United. (Ahern was once subject to much criticism in the Irish Times letters section for appearing on RTE's Premiership highlights show as an analyst in September 2001).
Other politicians have shown much more regard for local sporting successes, and perhaps none more so than Tipperary North TD Michael Lowry.
Lowry's sporting-related posts on Facebook are prolific, giving substantive information on the successes of Tipperary sportspeople.
They are of significant value and assistance to even the casual sports fan, as he offers results and Tipperary team news ahead of a big game.
Lowry joined Facebook in May 2015 (a cynic might suggest that this was nicely timed before Tipperary's final Munster Championship campaign before a General Election, but then we aren't cynics) and rarely a week has gone by without a sporting-themed update from the former Minister of Transport, Energy and Communications.
The sports Lowry offers updates are varied, the only connecting theme being a link to Tipperary. Here are some of the best:
Equestrian
We should point out that Lowry is a keen fan of horse-racing, and once owned a horse called "Wedding Morn".
Football
Lowry's football messages of support are more infrequent, relying on a Shane Long goal/Irish qualification for a major tournament.
Hurling
It is in the real of hurling, both senior and underage, that Lowry comes into his own, offering good luck messages aling wuith vital team news updates.
Gaelic Football
There are fewer posts on football, but he doesn't neglect it entirely:
Assorted Others:
Featuring Golf, Boxing, Kickboxing, Weightlifting and, er, Tractor Running.
