By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting
Cllr Patricia Byrne was welcomed as the new councillor at Wexford County Council’s meeting today, filling the Fine Gael seat vacated by Cllr Cathal Byrne’s election to Seanad Éireann last February.
Cllr Byrne was officially nominated by Cllr Pat Kehoe and seconded by Cllr Bridín Murphy. She was welcomed to her seat in the chamber by Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen, alongside officials, with support from Brian Brennan TD and Senator Cathal Byrne.
Cllr Byrne, 32, is a member of Bree branch of Fine Gael. A native of Ballyhogue, she manages Hammel’s of Bree, previously known as Byrne’s of Bree, which includes a supermarket, post office, and bar in Bree village.
Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy warmly welcomed Cllr Byrne and pointed out that this brings the female representation on the Council up to eight. She hoped that Cllr Byrne would join the Wexford Women’s Coalition group and “show what women councillors can do!”
Mayor Cllr Biddy Walsh assured Cllr Byrne of “my support” and said it was an historic day having eight women members on the Council. “Great day for Wexford. Great day for Wexford County Council,” she stated.
Cllr Pat Barden recalled the interaction with the families of Barden, Byrne and Murphy at Galbally many years ago and assured his support.
Cllr Jackser Owens expressed his eagerness to working with Cllr Byrne for the next four years, aiming to serve Enniscorthy Municipal District and Wexford County Council effectively.
Cllr Michael Sheehan wished Cllr Byrne “the best of luck” and joked that “councillors get the blame for everything and get credit for nothing.”
There were also ‘good luck wishes’ from Cllrs Garry Laffan, Jim Codd and Paddy Kavanagh.
Cllr Byrne expressed gratitude to her proposer and seconder, acknowledged the kind wishes extended to her, and stated that she is eager to serve the Enniscorthy district and Wexford County to the best of her abilities.
Two other positions vacated by Senator Byrne were also filled today. Cllr Frank Staples (proposed by Cllr Oliver Walsh, seconded by Cllr Anthony Donohoe) is now Chair of the Economic SPC. Cllr Ger Carthy (proposed by Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and seconded by Cllr Oliver Walsh) becomes a member of the Regional Health Forum.
WexfordLocal.com 