Eileen’s council seat

EILEEN Tully (right) has been welcomed as a new councillor for Drogheda Rural on Louth County Council.

She was ratified by council members on Monday after gaining overwhelming support within the Fine Gael party over the past few weeks.

On the proposal of Cllr Dolores Minogue, jointly seconded by Cllrs John McGahon and Maeve Yore, she took the seat previously held by her late husband, Oliver.

There were no other proposals. Chairman Cllr Liam Reilly congratulated Cllr Tully, remarking it was no mean feat to put her name forward.

He added it was an emotional day as Oliver was so fondly thought off.

‘We remember him and miss him,’ Cllr Reilly continued.

Chief executive Joan Martin said it was an incredibly sad day, ‘ but we are delighted to welcome you’.

Cllr Tully was also elected Leas Cathaoirleach of the local authority, and will fill the vacant seats on the Louth Meath Education & Training Board, Local Authority Members Association, Rural Water Monitoring Committee and Louth Community Development Committee.

Eileen says she wants to follow on on the wonderful work done by her late husband for many years.

Indeed, she attended many of the functions with Oliver throughout his political career.

Her fellow councillors welcomed her on Monday on what was a very emotional day for the Tully family, party members and also staff of Louth County Council who worked closely with Oliver.

In fact, her first words of congratulations in public came last week at the area meeting of Laytown/Bettystown council.

Cllr Sharon Tolan said it was a great to see Eileen going forward for the seat while Paddy Meade said he looked forward to working with her on matters impacting on the Louth/Meath border area.