Martin Ferris

Martin Ferris (born 10 February 1952) is an Irish Sinn Féin politician and a former Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) volunteer. He has been a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Kerry North–West Limerick (previously Kerry North) constituency since 2002.

Early and personal life

Ferris was born in Strand Street Tralee, County Kerry. His father was a farmer who was also a caretaker for Barrow House which was then owned by an aunt. He was educated locally at Barrow National School before going on to St Mary's CBS (The Green) and Tralee Technical School. He left school early working on his family's farm and as a fisherman. His father died from a stroke in 1970.

Martin met his wife, Máire (née Hoare), after his release from Portlaoise in 1977. They married in January 1978 and have six children. A daughter, Toiréasa, is a former Cathaoirleach (chairperson) and current member of Kerry County Council.

Gaelic football career

Ferris played in the Cotter Cup at the under-14 age group as a back. He played as centre forward for Churchill GAA. He began his inter-county career in 1972 playing Under-21 football for Kerry. He lined out as a forward beating Cork at the Munster final although the team was beaten by Galway at the All Ireland Final. Despite being on the run he was selected in 1973. He won an All-Ireland Under-21 Football Championship medal with Kerry beating Mayo 2–12 to 0–13. His career was interrupted by his imprisonment later that year. After being released he resumed playing for Churchill and was selected by Mick O'Dwyer to play for the Seniors in 1978. Ferris ceased to remain in the Kerry training panel after the Munster Final that year (which he was unable to play) due to poor health and Garda Special Branch surveillance.