Anhonourto servecitizens ofWeeCounty

CLLR REILLY ON STEPPING DOWN

AMONG the highlights of his second successive term as cathaoirleach, Cllr Liam Reilly picked out Blackrock winning a major Tidy Towns’ award and another enjoyable Fleadh in Drogheda.

The Fianna Fáil representative stepped down at the AGM, and he said it was an honour to follow in the footsteps of his late father, Tommy, who also chaired the council on two separate occasions, 1996/’97 and 2001/’02.

‘Louth is a county full of innovation and of community spirit, and this is seen through the many community initiatives that go on throughout the year.

‘I was delighted to have played a role in so many of them, including the Looking Good Awards, the IPB Pride of Place Awards, and the launch of Taisce Lú.’

Cllr Reilly added it was also wonderful to see the interest in Local Enterprise Week.

He paid tribute to leas-cathaoirleach Eileen Tully whom he worked alongside over the past nine months following the sudden death of her husband, Oliver.

He thanked for their support, former councillor John McGahon and Cllr Marianne Butler, outgoing chairs of Dundalk MS; Cllr Dolores Minogue, outgoing chair of Ardee MD and Cllr Paul Bell, outgoing mayor of Drogheda BD.

Cllr Reilly extended best wishes to Cllr Emma Coffey, Cllr John Sheridan and Cllr Kevin Callan who have taken up those respective positions.

He congratulated Cllr Bell on his appointment to the Labour Court.

‘ The COVID-19 pandemic and its social, cultural and economic impact has shaken this country and the world.

‘ This time last year our focus was on Brexit. Since early March we have rallied to the call to support each other in uncertain times.

‘ To our Taoiseach, whose statesman leadership during the pandemic has made me proud to be Irish.’

He also paid tribute to the Minister for Health, Chief Medical Officer and front-line workers, as well as all the volunteers.

He thanked chief executive Joan Martin and council officials.

‘My time as cathaoirleach has been rewarding and enlightening and I look forward to continuing to play my part in addressing the challenges facing the county into the future.

‘It has been an honour to serve the citizens of Louth.’

Cllr Liam Reilly getting a push from some of his fellow councillors at the official opening of the new Stephensdtown Pond Playground which occured during his time as Cathaoirleach.