*Cllr Mary Howard (FG) and Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) who were elected Leas Cathaoirleach and Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council respectively. Photograph: Eamon Ward
CLARE’s new Mayor has said his selection as the county’s first citizen was the “proudest day of my life”.
Unanimous support was received by Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) as he was elected Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council. He succeeds Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) and is the third East Clare representative in as many years to wear the mayoral chains with Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) previously serving in the role.
First elected to Clare County Council in 2014, the former publican has prevailed in three elections and last month reached the quota for the first time when elected as the third candidate in the Killaloe Municipal District.
Speaking at the AGM of Clare County Council, Cllr O’Callaghan stated, “I am humbled and deeply privileged to assume this role and to do so with your full support. I accept this honour knowing that I follow in the footsteps of so many established servants of this Council down through the years”.
He added, “I want to pay tribute to my predecessor, Joe Cooney, and to those of you gathered here today who have previously held the office. I am delighted to be part of a power sharing agreement which will ensure that all groups on the Council will get an opportunity to play a meaningful role during the next five years”.
Tourism and roads were identified as key priorities for the Kilmurry man over the next twelve months. “Tourism can be a big driver to the betterment of Clare, with its potential to create and sustain jobs and to draw people to visit and spend in our county. Clare County Council’s tourism directorate has done superb work in growing tourism in the county and we need to continue to push this work forward”.
“Another priority of mine is improving and upgrading our road network. We need decent and well-maintained roads to facilitate economic growth and for our people to be safe as they go to work and school and as they go about their daily lives,” he continued.
His predecessor, Cllr Cooney said he was privileged to have been Mayor of Clare. “Serving as Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council has been the greatest honour of my life”.
Cooney added, “It was a particular privilege for me to represent the county overseas during my term as Cathaoirleach. I was fortunate enough to be part of our delegation to the Milwaukee Irish Fest last August. The Irish Fest was a wonderful showcase for our county as a tourism destination and as a gateway to Ireland and Europe through our airport in Shannon”. He said, “Through the work of our elected members and County Council staff, we have achieved great success in attracting funding for the county, be it for tourism development, roads projects or public realm regeneration work in our towns and rural villages”.
Former Mayor of Clare, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) was elected as the Leas-Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, taking over from Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG).
