CLARE’S first citizen has spoken of how moved she and her family were by the gestures of sympathy extended by her Council colleagues on the untimely passing of her sister, Bríd.
Cathaoirleach Mary Howard said it had been “a very strange time to lose someone and a very difficult time,” as she thanked members for a vote of sympathy to herself and to Councillor Gerry Flynn on the recent passing of his brother, Michael.
Proposing the motion, Councillor Pat Hayes extended sympathy to Councillor Howard on “the sad loss of Bríd at such a young age” and the difficult time her family are going through.
On behalf of the Fianna Fáil members of the authority, Councillor Hayes also extended sympathy to Councillor Flynn and proposed a 15-minute adjournment of the monthly local authority meeting.
Seconding the motion, Councillor Ann Norton sympathised on behalf of the Independent members.
“It must be an extremely difficult time to lose someone so young, and even more difficult because Bríd leaves behind a very young family,” she told the cathaoirleach.
“Our sympathies also go to Councillor Flynn on the loss of Michael, it is just too early for someone to leave this life.”
Councillor Joe Cooney supported the motion on behalf of Fine Gael, while Chief Executive Pat Dowling extended the condolences of the entire staff of the local authority.
Councillor Flynn acknowledged the adjournment as a gesture of sympathy to his family and that of Councillor Howard.
“My family were especially moved by the guard of honour,” he said. “They are so thankful for that, at a time of huge limits created by Covid, when we could only have 25 people in the church.
“The support provided a great lift. We’re grateful to all of the Council staff, to Pat Dowling and to councillors past and present.”
Councillor Howard said she too had been very moved by the support.
“I hadn’t anticipated that Pat Dowling and the staff of the council would be standing outside as we were going by the Áras,” she said.
“I was very, very touched. On the way to Drumcliff, I thought a bunch of walkers had stopped at Lees Road. The guard of honour was so, so sweet. It is a very strange time to lose somebody and a very difficult time and I am so grateful to you all.”
Sinn Féin’s Councillor Donna McGettigan, who was also bereaved this year, as was Councillor PJ Kelly, said she understood how difficult it is to lose someone in the current circumstances.
“Things like the guard of honour will always be remembered,” she said.