JOE TAKES THE CHAIR
COUNCILLOR JOE Sullivan was elected cathaoirleach of Gorey Municipal District at the committee’s AGM in the council chamber in the Civic Square last Tuesday afternoon.
He was nominated for the position by fellow Fianna Fáil councillor Malcolm Byrne, and this was seconded by Fine Gael’s Cllr John Hegarty.
‘He joined the council three years ago having left public service for different type of public service,’ said Cllr Byrne, adding that Cllr Sullivan came to Gorey over three decades ago. ‘He hasn’t been afraid to ask the awkward questions and with the challenges we face in the Gorey District, that is something we need,’ he said.
Cllr Hegarty added that Cllr Sullivan had a lot of experience in very useful areas.
He was elected to the post with five votes from the Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael members, while the three other votes around the table went to Cllr Mary Farrell.
Cllr Sullivan thanked those who elected him, and said he had total respect for the three who didn’t.
He came to Gorey in April 1986, and was a member of An Garda Síochána until February 2014, when he took the life-changing decision of retiring early and running for election, having been prompted to do so by the then-councillor Lorcan Allen. ‘Luckily enough I got elected and I never regretted my decision for one moment,’ he said.
‘ This is not an honorary position,’ he added. ‘ There’s a lot of work involved and I’m following in the footsteps of three very capable chairmen.’
Among his priorities are the hugely significant €1.2 million investment in the Town Park and Showgrounds, work on which starts in a few months’ time, and should be finished this time next year. A new trail in Ramsfort wood and a biodi- versity trail along the town’s river will also add to the local amenities.
He also prioritised giving the public a say in the future of the Market House; rejuvenating Esmonde Street; finishing the footpath to Courtown; nurturing the new Hatch Lab to create local jobs; finishing the Courtown pier repairs; renewing Ferns and developing the castle as a tourist attraction; continuing to promote tourism through Love Gorey, festivals, and twinning with Bayeux in Normandy; further integrating the immigrant community; and further developing the Christmas lights initiative.
He thanked his wife Trish, their family, and those who work with him for their continued support. ‘I’m very proud and honoured,’ he said thanking outgoing cathaoirleach Pip Breen for a ‘wonderful year’s work.’
Cllr Anthony Donohoe was elected unopposed as leas cathaoirleach, having been nominated by Cllr John Hegarty and seconded by Cllr Malcolm Byrne who said h e was quite certain Anthony would be quite capable of stepping into Joe’s boots when required.
Congratulations were sent to both by those around the table.