Presentations made to former Co Councillors

THE RETIRED and former members of Wicklow County Council prior to the last local election made a return to the council buildings last week.

They were all invited back in order to receive a presentation marking their time as county and district councillors. Work commitments meant a number of former members of the council were unable to attend, but Pat Doran, Jim Ruttle, Daire Nolan, Chris Fox and Brendan Thornhill were all present and accounted for.

Wicklow County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Irene Winters, and Council Chief Executive Frank Curran presented a stunning framed photograph of Glendalough to each former Councillor.

Cllr Winters thanked them for their service, while Mr Curran commented on how long they had sat as member of Wicklow County Council and the different roles they took on during that time, from stints as Council Chairperson to the different Strategic Policy Committees they contributed to.

Cllr Pat Doran was first elected in 1985 before deciding not to contest this year’s local elections.

Cllr Jim Ruttle was one of the longest serving members of Wicklow County Council having sat in the Chamber for 30 years until he opted not to run in the last local elections. Cllr Chris Fox decided to step back from politics after 15 years

Other Councillors not present included Tommy Cullen (who served for 35 years), Pat Vance (who served for 34 years), Mary McDonald, Daire Nolan, Nicola Lawless, Oliver O’Brien and Gráinne McLoughlin.

Cllr Irene Winters, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Lorraine Gallagher and Deputy Pat Casey with current and former Councillers at the presentation in the council chamber at County Buildings in Wicklow town.

Carnew’s Pat Doran accepts a presentation from Cllr Irene Winters and Frank Curran.

Cllr Irene Winters and Frank Curran making a presentation to Christopher Fox from Kilmacanogue.

Jim Ruttle from Manor Kilbride receives a presentation from Cllr Irene Winters and Frank Curran.

Brendan Thornhill from Bray accepts a presentation from Cllr Irene Winters and Frank Curran.

Daire Nolan from Newtownmountkennedy receives a presentation from Cllr Irene Winters and Frank Curran.