Cllr Pat Kehoe is Cathaoirleach

By Dan Walsh at the annual meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District

There are 173 names listed as serving Enniscorthy town and district since 1855, however, this morning at the annual meeting in the Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, Cllr Pat Kehoe became the first ‘Kehoe’ to get his name on the board when he was elected Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.

Nominated by Cllr Trish Byrne who described Cllr Kehoe as “hard working, committed, approachable and works well with everyone” and seconded by Cllr Aidan Browne, who remarked “it’s a great day for Marshalstown” Cllr Kehoe received the chains of office from outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy who wished him well in his new role.

Married to Elaine and parents of four children – Orlagh, Caoimhe, Michael and Darragh, who is in Australia – Cllr Kehoe was supported by his family in chamber including his sister, Helen Roban. Senator Cathal Byrne was also present.

The Fine Gael councillor from Marshalstown, who was successful in holding the Fine Gael seat previously held by Kathleen Codd-Nolan at the Local Elections two years ago said it was a huge honour and he looked forward to working with his fellow councillors and officials for the good of the town, and not forgetting the district which stretches from Clonegal to Galbally.

Housing in the Milehouse area of Enniscorthy and the Flood Relief plans are amongst Cllr Kehoe’s priorities. He will also seek to create a more connected link between the Milehouse to the Esmonde Road/Drumgoold areas of Enniscorthy calling for a new bus service to be introduced.

The position of Leas-Cathaoirleach goes to Independent Cllr John O’Rourke. He was nominated by Cllr Jackser Owens and seconded by Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy.

Outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy listed a long number of projects completed or planned for the town and district.

She thanked a long list of people including the Press, staff at the Presentation Centre, Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr Pat Kehoe, fellow councillors for their co-operation and courtesy, Barbara Nolan, Lisa Moore and Claire Lawless in the Enniscorthy office and Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe.

Many tributes were paid to Cllr Murphy. Cllr Kehoe said; “she set the bar and was devoted to the position”; Cllr Owens and Browne agreed “she did a great job” and Cllr O’Rourke went even further in her praise. “You did a fantastic job,” he stated. Cllr Byrne said it was her first year and she acknowledged “the great support given.”

Director of Services Caroline Godkin said Cllr Murphy was “an excellent chair and very experienced” and acknowledged there were “some highs and some challenges, as always.”