Tributes paid as two councillors retire
A swell of tributes were paid yesterday (Monday) to two Louth Councillors who are retiring from the local authority after a combined sixty years of public service.
Cllr. Peter Savage is retiring after 45 years service on Louth County Council, while Cllr. Mark Dearey has decided not to stand again in the upcoming local elections after 15 years service.
Cllr. Tommy Byrne is also retiring after 25 years on the council, but was unable to attend the presentation.
Cllr. Savage told the monthly meeting that he had worked with seven County Managers and over 100 councillors during his tenure. He added that he had made over 100,000 representations on behalf of his constituents during those 45 years. Cllr. Savage, who had presided over Louth County Council as chairman on a record seven occasions, was widely praised in the chamber as members recalled his ‘experience, ability and humour’.
Cllr. Edel Corrigan paid tribute, saying ‘It has been an absolute honour to have served in the same area as Peter, not least for his vast knowledge, that he has willingly shared with all of us for the benefit of the entire community.’
She added that he was ‘ the only Councillor who didn’t have to put up any posters before elections,’ such was his standing in the local community.
Cllr. Oliver Tully praised the ‘ time and commitment’ he had given as a public servant over the last 45 years, and his work on major initiatives such as the Environment 21 Committee and the Louth County Council Malawi project. Cllr. Marianne Butler said it was a ‘very sad day’ in marking his last meeting as a Councillor of 45 years.
Cllr. Paul Bell wished Cllr. Savage well, saying that he had demonstrated ‘ that it isn’t just about public service, but about service to the public.’
Cllr. Maeve Yore said he would be ‘sorely missed’ by all on Louth County Council, adding that she was ‘proud to call him a friend and colleague.’
Cllr. Frank Godfrey added that it was ‘a very sad day’ for the council, and for the people of Carlingford and Cooley, who can be rightly very proud of Peter Savage.’
Cllr. Antoin Watters thanked him for being ‘a great help to me in my two and a half years on the council,’ adding ‘What he has done for Cooley and north Louth, I only how I can achieve half of it.’
Cllr. Emma Coffey said he was ‘a legend in his own lifetime’ saying that he had been a ‘ tremendous support’ to her as she began her own council career.
She added that his reputation had gone beyond local politics to a national level.
Cllr. Conor Keelan said he had ‘a unique style, and a great record of delivery to the people of Cooley and Carlingford.’
He praised Cllr. Savage’s work on the Malawi project, and the East Border Region, adding that he had ‘extended a hand to the Unionist community in the north when it was not a popular thing to do.’
Cllr. Liam Reilly added his own ‘gratitude and praise’ saying that to have 45 years unbroken service was ‘an extraordinary achievement.’
‘You brought your own style, your own swagger to the role. But it will be your wisdom, honesty and humour that we will miss most in this chamber.’
‘ Thank you very much for your encouragement of me in my 11 years on the council.’
Cllr. Mark Dearey was also the focus of a plethora of tributes as he celebrated 15 years on Louth County Council.
Cllr. Dearey’s work on the environment and addiction issues were highlighted, along with his lifelong dedication to raising awareness about the impact of nuclear energy.
Cllr. Emma Coffey led the tributes, saying that she had recalled Cllr. Dearey as ‘ the young, fresh face’ running for election in 2004.
She praised his work on the council and achievements over the last 15 years, and his willingness to work with everyone on the council when it came to important issues.
Cllr. Ruairi O’Murchu said that Cllr. Dearey was ‘always very impressive at council meetings’ both in his knowledge of subjects, and in dealing with other councillors and officials.
Cllr. Pio Smith praised his dedication to the role, while Cllr. Maria Doyle remarked that he ‘continued to remain committed even as he prepared to retire.’
Cllr. John McGahon added that it had been ‘an absolute pleasure’ to have worked alongside him.
Cllr. Conor Keelan said Cllr. Dearey’s ‘experience and foresight’ would be lost to the council on his retirement.
Cllr. Maeve praised his ‘wealth of knowledge’ and thanked him for his support during her own time on the council.