Brennan elected as Ennis mayor

THE new Mayor of Ennis, Independent Councillor Tommy Brennan, was elected at the annual general meeting of Ennis Town Council on Tuesday, by a majority of six to three votes.

Mayor Brennan said that while he has held the office a number of times before, he feels it is always an honour to be the mayor of his home town.
“It is with great pride and humility I represent Ennis and I am very honoured that my council colleagues felt I deserved to hold this important job again,” he said following his election.
He was proposed by Independent Councillor Michael Guilfoyle, who said that Councillor Brennan’s experience is as an all-rounder. Fianna Fáil Councillor Peter Considine seconded him, stating that he believes Councillor Brennan is the “right person for the job”.
Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard proposed Labour Councillor Paul O’Shea, stating that he would love the challenge and would be a “great mayor”. Councillor O’Shea was seconded by Fine Gael Councillor Johnny Flynn, who said that he had the professional experience and would be a very hardworking mayor for Ennis.
In the vote, Independent councillors Tommy Brennan, Michael Guilfoyle and Frankie Neylon, along with Fianna Fáil Councillor Peter Considine, Fine Gael Councillor Mary Coote Ryan and Green Party Councillor Brian Meaney were in favour of Councillor Brennan becoming mayor. Fine Gael councillors Johnny Flynn and Mary Howard and Labour Councillor Paul O’Shea, all voted for Councillor O’Shea as mayor.
Following the election, defeated Councillor O’Shea was the first to congratulate Mayor Brennan, who said that he would try his best at the job.
“I hope to serve the council and the town to the best of my ability. There are a number of things which I will be focussing on during the year, including the development of more local authority housing in Ennis and progress on an upgraded wastewater treatment plant.
“We also need to cater better for future flooding in many areas of Ennis town, including Clonroadmore, Tobarteascain, Gort Road and Tulla Road,” he commented.
For the position of Deputy Mayor, Councillor Considine proposed Councillor Brian Meaney, who was seconded by Councillor Guilfoyle.
Councillor Flynn and Councillor O’Shea proposed and seconded Councillor Howard. The same six councillors who voted for Councillor Brennan as mayor, voted for Councillor Meaney as deputy mayor, with the remaining three voting for Councillor Howard.
Handing over the chains of office, outgoing Mayor of Ennis Frankie Neylon said it had been a very busy year for him and all of Ennis Town Council, with the highlight for him being the visit of Muhammad Ali last September.
“It was a spectacular day for Ennis. I think it was one of the most fantastic days that Ennis has had and it gave such a boost to Ennis, Clare and the entire country too,” he said.
Among the other high points of the year, he mentioned Ennis’ success in the Tidy Towns, being named as Ireland’s tidiest urban centre and the successes for the U-21 hurlers and lady footballers.
He also listed various civic receptions throughout the year, including one for Bishop Willie Walsh, who has announced his retirement.
He also commented on the introduction of Saturday pedestrianisation.
“I walked Ennis last Saturday and there was a wonderful atmosphere in town, coupled with the great weather. I felt Ennis was very safe on Saturday and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves,” he said.
Councillor Neylon acknowledged the support of the staff of Ennis Town Council and his fellow councillors throughout the year.
“I think we worked well together, both members and officials of Ennis Town Council. We all worked together to make Ennis a popular place for inhabitants, businesses and visitors. I hope the town will continue to improve in the coming years,” he added.
He was praised by all members of the town council on his year as Mayor of Ennis.
Town manager, Tom Coughlan, said that despite the recession, it had been a very busy year for Ennis and for the mayor.
“You took on the role and fulfilled it very well. I also commend all of the council staff, who dealt with the difficult weather issues so well,” he commented.