By Dan Walsh in New Ross
Proposed by Cllr Pat Barden and seconded by Cllr Bridín Murphy, Cllr Anthony Connick was unanimously chosen as Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council at the annual meeting held in the council chamber at The Tholsel, New Ross, this afternoon (Wednesday). Cllr Michael Whelan is Leas-Cathaoirleach.
“It is a very proud day for me, and the Connick family and I want to acknowledge their support and thanks to them all,” said Cllr Connick who continued; “I am looking forward to working with the Leas-Cathaoirleach, my fellow councilors’, officials and the public over the next year to meet the challenges and the opportunities which will be presented.”
Cllr Connick said he wants to be an inclusive chair and will welcome the input, support and advice from all members over the coming year.
He invited all groups and local organisations to feel free to make contact and he is looking forward to working with the business community, New Ross Chamber, the John F. Kennedy Trust, The Ros Tapestry and voluntary organisations and sporting groups to deliver for the people of New Ross.”
Cllr Connick added that there are major projects outside of the town like the re-opening of Duncannon Fort and the commencement of the upgrade of Hook Lighthouse.
“The whole town is looking forward to the opening of phase one of the Southeast Greenway shortly on my home ground of Rosbercon and later in the year, the New Ross Emigrant Park on the Quay of New Ross town will be officially opened, and we will take the opportunity to have a major celebration of the 60th anniversary of the visit of President John F. Kennedy to New Ross in 1963,” concluded Cllr Connick.
A native of the Rosbercon side of New Ross, Cllr Connick was first elected to New Ross Town Council in 2009 and has been successfully elected to New Ross Municipal District Council in 2014 and 2019. He served as Leas-Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council during the 2021-’22 term. His brother, Sean Connick served as Cathaoirleach of New Ross Town Council in 2001-’02 and afterwards was elected to Dail Éireann.
The position of Leas-Cathaoirleach ended up with Chief Executive Tom Enright ‘picking a name from the hat’ after the nominations reached stalemate. Cllr Michael Whelan was proposed by Cllr Michael Sheehan and seconded by Cllr John Fleming while Cllr Pat Barden was proposed by Cllr Connick and seconded by Cllr Bridín Murphy. The vote was 3-3 when a resolution was sought by putting the names into a hat- the successful candidate was Cllr Whelan.
WexfordLocal.com 