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Council says no to Big Apple parade


ENNIS Town Council won’t be taking a bite out of the Big Apple this St Patrick’s Day with councillors turning down an invitation to attend the world-famous parade.

The County Clare Patriotic, B enevolent and Social Association of New York City issued an invitation to the local authority to attend the annual St Patrick’s Day parade.
However, at this week’s meeting of the council, ­Mayor of Ennis Tommy Brennan declined the ­invitation ­saying, “I think the mayor’s place is here in town.
“I’ve had invitations before and I’ve never left but I have no problem if anyone wants to represent the council,” he said.
Town manager Ger Dollard outlined that a member of the Ennis-Phoenix twinning delegation would be in the twin city in Arizona for the St Patrick’s Day celebrations and that would be adequate representation.
Councillor Frankie Neylon stated that these visits are important in promoting the town overseas and he proposed Councillor Brian Meaney to represent the town.
However, Councillor Meaney stated he was not in a position to go and he proposed Councillor Johnny Flynn.
Councillor Flynn also declined saying he had a policy of not going on foreign trips and that it was important that councillors support local events.
Councillor Michael Guilfoyle told the meeting he believed it was important the council support those who have left this country and emigrated overseas.
“They are delighted to see a friendly face over there. Many of them had no choice but to go and the council shouldn’t ignore them,” he said.
However, he also declined to go, saying he had other commitments.
Town manager Ger Dollard agreed that these trips are important for maintaining relationships overseas but believed a representative going to Phoenix would be adequate.

 

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