By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council Meeting
County Secretary David Minogue told today’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council that he is to retire on July 1st after 38 years’ service in local government. “I will hang up my spurs,” Mr. Minogue told members and officials and thanked everyone for their support and said; “I enjoyed my time with Wexford County Council.”
“It was a wonderful experience. I enjoyed my press friendship and hold huge respect for the elected members – they were always very fair – but each has a job to do. I also want to thank my colleagues at the top table, and I am content in my decision.”
Mr Minogue announced that his replacement as County Secretary will be Michael Drea, a native of Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny, who is already on the staff at Wexford County Council.
Many tributes followed. Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan described Mr Minogue as “very approachable” and she wished “yourself and Anne the best of luck. Cllr Pip Breen wished him well. Cllr John Fleming said; “Thanks for your years of service. You were always fair. Enjoy your retirement.”
Cllr Cathal Byrne wished him well “in the next phase of your life. 38 years is a long time. Very best of luck.” Cllr Michael Sheehan joined in the good wishes and recalled Mr Minogue’s time at New Ross Urban Council. “You knew from day one how the system worked. Congratulations and farewell. You can be proud of your legacy at Wexford County Council.”
Cllr Michael Whelan thanked Mr Minogue for his service and courtesy. “You were always at the end of the phone, and I wish you a long and exciting retirement.” Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin recalled that Mr Minogue “did a lot of good work in the Gorey area” and wished him well.
“Thanks for your guidance,” said Cllr Willie Kavanagh. “I wish you the best in retirement,” added Cllr Davy Hynes. Cllr Joe Sullivan said; “I wish you the very best after a long and distinguished career in Co. Wexford.
Cllr Par Barden sent his best wishes. “You were always at the other end of the phone,” he added. Cllr Garry Laffan said; “you were always helpful and welcoming”. Cllr Andrew Bolger said; “good luck in the next phase of life” and Cllr Donal Kenny said; “you were always helpful” and wished him the best of luck.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy recalled a Council related trip to New York on St. Patrick’s Day with Mr Minogue, and she praised his courtesy and joined with everyone in the chamber in wishing him a happy retirement.
Chief Executive Officer, Tom Enright, thanked Mr Minogue for his “dedication, devotion to duty and he understood the role of councillors,” and said; “you will leave a huge loss for your knowledge, dedication and expertise.”
Mr Enright said Mr Minogue joined the local authority in Kildare in 1983, came to Wexford in 1990 and served in New Ross, Enniscorthy and Gorey before settling in County Hall where he took up the role of County Secretary and Communications Officer in succession to Pat Collins on his retirement. Mr Minogue’s father, Denny, was an overseer with Clare County Council for 40 years.
WexfordLocal.com 