ENNIS’ first Sinn Féin Mayor in 105 years was officially installed on Thursday as cllr Tommy Guilfoyle was handed the reins by cllr Mary Howard (FG).
The outspoken Clarecastle representative took his seat at the top table in council headquarters, joined by his extended family and party colleague cllr James Ryan of Shannon MD.
Cllr Howard moved one step down the pyramid of Ennis politics, being chosen as Leas Cathaoirleach, following proposal by cllr Pat Daly (FF) and seconding by his party colleague cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua.
Summarising her 12 months as Ennis’ first citizen, Howard highlighted several poignant and memorable moments, ranging from personal achievements to helping to change the perception of local government amongst the county’s youth.
The Ennis woman called her time in office “one of the great honours of my life” and spoke of her pride in being able to represent “a town where I was born and raised, a town that I love so deeply”.
From attending the St. Patrick’s Day Parade to switching on the Christmas lights and raising the profile of Ennis through visits to Phoenix Arizona and Italy, cllr Howard’s tenure was a memorable one for the county town.
As she prepared to hand over her chain, Howard concluded by saying “I do this with enormous pride and gratitude. I will always carry with me the memories, friendships, and experiences of this special year. Thank you to everyone who welcomed me, who supported me, and allowed me to have the honour of serving as the mayor of the district. It’s been a privilege”.
Guilfoyle was proposed to the position by his friend and neighbour cllr Paul Murphy (FG) who expressed his pride in having two Clarecastle men in the council’s most senior offices for 24 hours at least.
Seconding the proposal, cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) wished his political sparring partner all the best, noting that the town’s “last 2 previous Sinn Féin Mayors moved over to Fianna Fáil so if you ever get that inkling, you’re more than welcome”.
Taking his seat at the top table for the first time, an emotional Guilfoyle emphasised the long wait of his party to hold the mayoral chair in Ennis, noting the symbolic weight of the moment.
“105 years ago was the last time a Sinn Féin person sat in this chair. I didn’t think that would get me emotional but that means a lot to a lot of people”, the cllr began.
The Clarecastle based cllr dedicated his term to the broader political mission of his party Sinn Féin and while he may have been disappointed it was not within his remit “to declare a worker’s soviet” for Ennis, Guilfoyle pledged that “Our fight won’t stop until the day we have a better and fairer and united Ireland”.
Referencing the outgoing mayor, Guilfoyle said of Howard “You have crossed swords with me sometimes but you’ve done it in such a manner that I respected you for having done so. That difference of opinion brought, I think, a peace and positivity to the council”.
The cllr added that he did not consider himself a politician, rather “a comrade of the proletariat that brings the measures from them into the powers that be”.
The Sinn Féin representative thanked the members of his family in attendance for their continued support, making special reference to his parents and wife Rhona, adding “Without her, I wouldn’t be the man that I am today. I think I have her to thank for a sense of patience, a sense of empathy, a sense of understanding”.
Although he may have been born in Cork, Guilfoyle assured the assembled guests that he was now a proud Clare man and magpie, concluding his speech on a humorous note by adding he would not be joining Fianna Fáil. “We wouldn’t have you anyway”, cllr Pat Daly joked in response.
