*Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF). Photograph: Eamon Ward
HISTORY WAS made at Tuesday’s meeting of the Shannon Municipal District.
For the first time since the establishment of the Shannon MD in 2014, a meeting was chaired by a female representative.
Shannon woman, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) who was elected as Cathaoirleach last month chaired the two-hour meeting which took place at Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel on Tuesday morning.
First elected to Clare County Council in 2009, Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) made reference to the fact as the meeting was getting close to a conclusion. “It is the first time we’ve had a lady Chairperson since the Shannon MD structure was put in place. I wish you every success,” the Cratloe native noted.
“I didn’t notice any difference in the meeting,” responded Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND).
Further milestones are likely in the political sphere, Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) predicted, “don’t forget us when you become a TD” and he was quickly corrected by Cllr Ryan who suggested Cllr McGettigan would be a future Minister.
While Donna is the first female to wear the mayoral chains in terms of the Shannon MD, she follows in the footsteps of Brigid Makowski (IND), Patricia McCarthy (IND) and Cathy McCafferty (SF/IND) in representing the town, they had either served on the Shannon Town Commissioners, Shannon Town Council and Clare County Council.
