*Cllr Donna McGettigan making a presentation to Alan Cunningham at the St Patrick’s Day parade. Photograph: Joe Buckley
MAYORAL AWARDS are set to return and honour individuals making a “positive contribution” across Shannon communities.
Citing the provisions of Part 2 of Schedule 14A of the Local Government Reform Act 2014 on the performance of reserved functions at Municipal District level, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) proposed that the Shannon MD holds a small civic function.
This would see each of the seven councillors make two nominations either of individuals or a group “to be recognised for their contribution to their communities. I believe this will be a positive end to this Council term,” Cllr McGettigan stated.
Acting senior executive officer in the Shannon MD, Anne Griffin stated in response that the office would be “honoured to host a small function in recognition of individuals that have positively impacted on their communities. The function will be held in the coming months and the precise date will be confirmed in due course”.
Griffin added, “Each councillor may submit the names of two recipients. It will be an opportunity to reflect on the positive contribution made by individuals within our communities who work tirelessly behind the scenes often without seeking recognition”.
Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting of the Shannon MD, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) outlined that he supported “the merits” of the proposal. He noted that the events were held prior to the abolition of the Shannon Town Council in 2014 and praised the work of Tomás MacCormaic for honouring different recipients over the years.
Elected members have already been invited by the Mayor of Clare, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) to submit nominations for mayoral awards, Cllr Flynn flagged, “if we can do it on the double that will be fine”.
Similar sentiments were voiced by Cllr Michael Begley (IND). He praised the “principle” of the motion but questioned if the Cathaoirleach had spoke with the Mayor, “does it duplicate or clash”.
Cllr McGettigan informed her colleagues that she had not spoken with the Mayor prior to tabling the proposal but committed to do so, “I will speak to Joe”. She told the meeting, “This is more local as opposed to countywide. Anne has found out that we can do it”.
