“We worked together to make Wexford better”; Tom Enright

By Dan Walsh at the February meeting of Wexford County Council

“We have all worked together to make Wexford better through a shared vision leading to ambitious plans and the capacity to invest. Much delivered, more to come, but Wexford has a bright future,” the departing words of Tom Enright, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council following a review of the past decade and his final report presented before members at Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council held in the Council Buildings, Wexford.

Mr Enright was addressing his final meeting in his role as Chief Executive and many achievements and developments were reviewed from across the county and in all five districts including the emergencies from a few difficult storm events and the global pandemic and Covid 19 that resulted in lockdown for almost two years.

Mr Enright thanked the councillors, the management team, past and present, the staff of Wexford County Council for the secretarial support and “the people of Wexford.” And then the members paid tributes.

Cllr Pip Breen was first to speak and declared that Mr Enright is “a hard act to follow.” Then came Cllr George Lawlor, who complimented Tom on “the vision that you brought to the county with drive, enthusiasm, passion and ambition” and he wished him well in his next endeavours.

Cllr Davy Hynes described Tom as “a visionary and innovative” and he added; “The Council was in a bad way when Tom came here. We had suffered the loss of the Town Council. Tom put Wexford to the forefront every time he could.”

Cllr Michael Whelan pointed out that “every project you worked on was for the benefit of Wexford.” Cllr John Hegarty described Tom as “progressive and ambitious” and spoke of generational projects and believed that in years to come generations of Wexford people will benefit from “your ten years here.” Cllr Hegarty described Tom as “an absolute gentleman and a pleasure to work with” and concluded with the words; “Every decision was for the good of Wexford.”

Cllr Michael Sheehan said Tom had “a high sense of where he wanted to go, he was ambitious, he had a vision and a plan, he was an exceptional worker with great work ethic and was a team player.” Cllr Willie Kavanagh said; “He was a gentleman to work with.”

Cllr Ger Carthy referred to Tom Enright’s “outstanding public service” and added; “The county has progressed ten-fold and he must have invested north of €1 billion. You worked through the storms, snow and virus, You left the county in a lot better place and thanks for that.”

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin paid tribute “ on behalf of all in North Wexford” and he continued “you steered through very difficult times, yet you delivered through the difficult times. You were always very approachable and very accessible. Enjoy yourself. Go néirí an tá libh.

“Your level of ambition came through in the last 10 years,” said Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, who added; “You made tough decisions but brought the county with you.” Cllr Joe Sullivan added a little humour to the chamber when he congratulated and admired the Chief Executive “despite not being the best boy in the class” and he acknowledged his achievements. “At least you (Tom Enright) are going out on your own terms which may not be the case for some members here in the chamber come next June and the local elections. (laughter).

Cllr Jackser Owens said Tom was “a gentleman” and thanked him for the work he did for Enniscorthy and County Wexford and he wish him “every success” and he concluded “I will miss arguing with you.” (laughter). Cllr Jim Codd referred to some “battles at meetings” but described Tom as “a good democrat who acknowledged us as members” and he wished him the best of luck.

Cllr Mary Farrell admired his “enthusiasm, integrity and honesty. You were inspirational, a true gentleman” and she congratulated him on his ‘phenomenal achievements’. Cllr Oliver Walsh complimented Tom Enright on all the great work he did following in the footsteps of Seamus Dooley and Eddie Breen. “Your legacy will live long in this county,” concluded Cllr Walsh.

Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan referred to a trip to Savannah where she admired the hard work that Tom did to make connections for the benefit of the county. She also recalled his work during the pandemic and the care for elderly people. She described Tom as “decent and honourable” and wish him the best of luck.

Cllr Anthony Connick spoke of a “a very honest man” and said that while the presentation was lovely “it was only the tip of the iceberg.” Cllr Garry Laffan asked to be associated with all the comments, spoke of Tom’s “accessibility” and wished him “the very best of luck for the future.” Cllr Andrew Bolger pointed out that being Chief Executive as “a really difficult job” but Tom was “always professional, made me welcome and I wish you all the best for the future.”

“Always available and only a quick phone call away,” was how Cllr Aidan Browne remembers the Chief Executive. Cllr Frank Staples described his achievements as ‘phenomenal’. “You are a hard act to follow, and I want to thank you for your support to me (Frank Staples) and my family.”

Cllr Cathal Byrne was excited about securing Ballyhogue’s old post office as a shared community space for a community population of 300 people and he told Tom Enright that is his legacy in Ballyhogue and the people of the village will always remember that forever.

Cllr Donal Kenny added his good wishes. Cllr Bridín Murphy said; “you spoilt us, which are the characteristics of a fantastic leader.”

Cathaoirleach Cllr John Fleming summed up by describing Tom Enright’s “outstanding contribution to County Wexford” and shaking hands he concluded; “it has been an honour and a pleasure to work with you.”

Eamonn Hore, Director of Services, paid tribute to Tom Enright on behalf of the officials and staff at Wexford County Council and said his legacy will be “his outstanding contribution to his adopted county” and he wished him well in his future endeavours.