Kathleen (Kay) had a keen interest in developing town
TRIBUTES have been paid to former Mayor and Member of Sligo Corporation Kathleen (Kay) McGoldrick (nee Leyden), who was laid to rest on Thursday.
As is usual for a former Mayor of the town, the cortege passed through the centre of Sligo, passing up Adelaide Street, Wine Street, Stephen Street and Bridge Street on the way to the cemetery.
Mrs McGoldrick, Strandhill Road, was a former Fine Gael Councillor Kay was predeceased by her husband Michael, brother Paddy Leyden and sister Maureen Gallagher. She was beloved mother to Declan, Aidan, David and Kevin.
A native of Ballinfull, in North Sligo, she attended the Mercy Secondary school in Sligo town. In her early years she opened a Ladies Hairdressing salon in Harmony Hill.
She later took up employment as a book-keeper in Brodericks of O’Connell Street.
She contested her first local election in 1979 being elected as a candidate in the North Ward.
She was re-elected in 1985 and served with distinction on the Corporation until 1994. She served as Mayor of Sligo on two occasions, serving on Sligo Corporation for 15 years.
Mrs McGoldrick, during her time as a Councillor, was hailed for her passion for seeing the town develop and she was heavily involved in various community and voluntary groups locally and will be remembered with great fondness.
Among those paying tribute to her, was Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Tom MacSharry.
He said: “Kathleen made a major contribution to Sligo during her time as a Councillor, she took a keen interest in seeing the town grow and develop since she was elected from the North
Ward in 1979.
“The fact that she was elected Mayor on two occasions, 1983 and 1992, illustrates the esteem in which she was held by her colleagues on Sligo Corporation. She carried out her duties as our First Citizen with great energy and professionalism, and took a special pride in supporting the various community and voluntary groups throughout the town.
“She will be recalled with great fondness and affection by the many people she touched with her kindness
Also paying tribute to Mrs McGoldrick, was her former colleague, Cllr Declan Bree.
He said: “Kathleen McGoldrick gave unselfishly of her time during her years in public life and her commitment to the people of this community was beyond question.
“She had the distinction of serving as Mayor in 1983 and 1992 when she gave exemplary service to the people of Sligo. She was a proud member of Fine Gael, and those of us who differed from her politically always admired her deep sense of loyalty to her party.
“In the years I served with Kathleen on the Corporation and the Town Vocational Education Committee, she was always vocal in supporting the numerous initiatives tabled at council level.
“It can be said of Kathleen McGoldrick that she was a conscientious public representative and a tremendously hard worker reflecting the work ethos of her generation. My sympathies go to her sons, Declan, Aidan, David and Kevin, to her brother and sister and her extended family,” said Cllr Bree.