Mayoral chains go on display
DROGHEDA’S mayoral chains will go on display in The Tholsel, West Street, on Thursday 6 December from 12 noon – 4pm. All welcome.
Local historian Liam Reilly of ‘Drogheda on the Boyne Tourism’ will give a talk on the history of the chains at 12 noon on the day.
‘ This is a great opportunity for the people of Drogheda & district to see the historic chains worn by mayors of the town over the years,’ said Mayor Frank Godfrey.
The chains, to be worn ‘as badges of office’ originated from a resolution of the council in 1785, and it is thought that Edward Chesshire (1785), George Armstrong (1786) or Maurice Barlow (1787) were the first to wear the chains.
Sheriffs then wore them until the post was abolished in the 1890s, when it was suggested they were incorporated into the mayor’s chains. John Dolan of Sunday’s Gate, mayor in 1905, supported this.
‘Mayors of the day played a vital role in the town and were mainly businessmen,’ said Mayor Godfrey. ‘ The present chain is relatively new, with the old one held securely in the Council’s strong room.’
‘Having the chains on display will cause us to remember former mayors such as Larry Walsh, who was mayor 16 times during his time on the council! William Whitworth’s name is on the present chain, after whom the monument and hall are called. Peter Moore was 8 times mayor. Maria O’Brien Campbell is Drogheda’s only female mayor and her name is on it too! We are sure to hear some stories about former mayors on the day,’ concluded Mayor Godfrey, who is now serving his fourth term as mayor of Drogheda.