By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council meeting at Civic Centre, Gorey
Described as “the forgotten district” and making up almost one third of Wexford County Council elected representatives, Gorey Kilmuckridge held its final meeting in the Civic Centre, Gorey, on Tuesday, and reported general satisfaction at events over the past five years, while looking forward Director of Services said there were good projects waiting to be progressed including St. Waleran’s, the Fringe Fleadh and the Market House Festival in July.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen said the high point was the official opening of the Gorey District Town Park and the low point was the tragic death of Council employee, Billy Kinsella, who lost his life while at work during a storm and the Cathaoirleach passed sympathy to his family.
Other highlights, according to Cllr Breen, included the Market House Festival, two years of the Rose of Tralee visitors and the Boolavogue Sensory Garden. He recalled the difficulties of zoom meetings and restrictions during the Covid 19 pandemic, felt the members would rather be out on the hustings and he wished them all well in the June local elections.
Cllr Willie Kavanagh said thanks for delivering bus shelters at Oylegate, a playground for the children and thanked Joanne (Kehoe) for the footpaths in Ballymurn village.
But the most emotional part of the meeting was bidding farewell to Cllr Diarmuid Devereux, who will not be a candidate in the next local elections and is looking forward to a well-deserved holiday in France very soon! Cllr Anthony Donohoe led the tributes saying “all the best at whatever the next chapter brings” and he also complimented the staff over the past 10 years in Gorey and at County Hall.
Cllr Mary Farrell said Cllr Devereux was “a pleasure to work with and always the voice of reason.” Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabhain described Cllr Devereux as “very co-operative and always worked for the common good.” Cllr Joe Sullivan said Cllr Devereux “brought a commodity to the table that is getting scarce – it is called commonsense.”
Cllr Donal Kenny reminded the meeting that Cllr Devereux was Leas-Cathaoirleach the year that he was in the Chair and he associated himself with the sentiments and good wishes. Cllr Wilie Kavanagh said that “some of the best councillors are retiring and I am sorry to see Cllr Devereux go.” Cllr Oliver Walsh also concurred and hoped “we will all be working together in the future.” Cllr Andrew Bolger wished Cllr Devereux well, thanked the Press and the members themselves and stated; “I have respect for every single one of you.”
Cllr Devereux said thanks to everybody, the officials and the executive who were afforded the courtesy to do their job, and the Press. “We were frustrated because of the Covid, but all members and executives should hold up their heads,” he said proudly.
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