By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy District Council Meeting
Tributes were paid to District Manager Ger Mackey and Executive Engineer Tadhg O’Corcora, both of whom attended their last meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held in the Presentation Centre today.
Mr Mackey moves to the Housing Department of Wexford County Council while Mr O’Corcora retires after 40 years’ service to local authorities, 30 years in Wexford and the last eight years in Enniscorthy where he oversaw water services.
Mr Mackey will be replaced as District Manager by Ms. Claire Lawless with effect from January 23rd, while Mr O’Corcora’s replacement has yet to be announced.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Aidan Browne said “Enniscorthy’s loss is housing’s gain and Mr. Mackey will be a big loss as town manager. He has some good projects up and running and I wish him the best and welcome Claire (Lawless) with all her experience from Arklow.”
Cllr Cathal Byrne thanked Mr Mackey for the projects he brought to Enniscorthy. “Your contribution is very much appreciated,” and he wished him well in housing.
Cllr Jackser Owens recalled the “great banter” he had with Mr. Mackey but declared “your work was serious. I wish you the best of luck. You did a great job for this town and I wish you well in housing.”
Cllr John O’Rourke described Mr. Mackey as “a mild-mannered gentleman who has been in many different positions. Now you are in housing which is an important position.”
Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan has known Mr Mackey for many years. “You are a great community person and able to communicate well. Thanks for all your good work for Enniscorthy town and district and I wish you all the best in housing.”
Mr Mackey thanked the members for their kind words. “I enjoyed my time here. I think Enniscorthy is a great town. Enniscorthy should believe in itself and solve problems ourselves,” said Mr Mackey, who added; “I would like to wish Claire (Lawless) all the best in her new position.”
Cathaoirleach Cllr Aidan Browne led the tributes to Mr. O’Corcora whom he has known since election to the Council three and a half years ago. “No problem was too big or too small and I hope you will be replaced fairly quick and enjoy your retirement,” he said.
Cllr Jackser Owens wished Mr O’Corcora “the best of luck” while Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan credited him with doing “a lot of good work for Enniscorthy town and district.”
Congratulations on your retirement commented Cllr Cathal Byrne. “You (Mr O’Corcora) were straight forward to deal with. Always returned calls. And I wish you a happy and healthy retirement.”
“You got on with your work diligently. Enjoy your retirement,” stated Cllr John O’Rourke.
Mr O’Corcora acknowledged all the good wishes and said he enjoyed his eight years in Enniscorthy. “We got on as a team. I enjoyed it. It was a great experience and we achieved critical improvements.”
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