By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Annual Meeting in Gorey
“I am deeply honoured and sincerely grateful to accept the position of Cathaoirleach of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council and I would like to thank my fellow councillors for placing their trust and confidence in me,” the words of Cllr Mary Farrell who was elected unopposed at the annual meeting in the Council Chamber at Gorey Civic Centre this afternoon.
First elected as an Independent member in 2014, Kilmuckridge-based Cllr Farrell is the only sitting female member of the 10-person Council serving north and eastern Wexford. Her nomination was proposed by Cllr Oliver Walsh and seconded by Cllr Pip Breen.
“As Chair I look forward to working closely with every member of this Council, regardless of affiliation. We all share a common goal – to improve the lives of the people we represent and to ensure that our town, villages and communities continue to thrive”, said Cllr Farrell.
Cllr Farrell said she is committed to working collaboratively with Councillors, Council staff, community groups and local stakeholders to help deliver positive outcomes for our communities. “On a personal note, I would like to thank my family, who are here with me today.”
“I accept this position with pride, humility and a strong case of responsibility,” she said, and concluded; “I look forward to serving as Cathaoirleach over the coming year and to working with all of you in a spirit of co-operation, respect and ambition for our district.”
Fellow councillors and officials congratulated Cllr Farrell and wished her every success.
Cllr Darragh McDonald was chosen for the Leas-Cathaoirleach position having been proposed by Cllr Anthony Donohoe and seconded by Cllr Donal Kenny.
Outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Donal Kenny reflected on the past year saying “It was a privilege for me and my family to have been elected for the second time. We got a lot done”, he said as he went through a list of achievements such as opening housing estates and looking forward, he noted that a few future projects have started.
Cllr Kenny said that Philip Knight (former District Manager) and Liz Stanley had departed and went to Wexford while Anita McLoughlin (District Manager) and Stephanie Furlong filled their places.
Cllr Kenny also praised officials like Liz Hore “a tremendous asset to Gorey”; County Secretary Michael Drea; commended Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe “doing a great job since taking over”; thanked his family for “their understanding” and thanked his fellow councillors who treated him with respect.
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