Mayor Moroney accepts chain of office

NEWLY elected Mayor of Kilrush, Paul Moroney, visited St Senan’s National School last Friday to raise the school’s newly acquired Green Flag. The visit was Councillor Moroney’s first official function as town mayor.
He was elected unanimously at last Thursday’s AGM at Kilrush courthouse in Moore Street. Councillor Moroney, who is the youngest councillor, was proposed by outgoing mayor Mairead O’Brien, while he was seconded by his former primary school teacher, Councillor Tom Prendeville. His election as mayor means that all nine sitting Kilrush town councillors have served at least one term as mayor.
Councillor Moroney, who works at Bourke’s Menswear, Kilrush and is a fire and rescue service member, was accompanied by his wife Alison and their children Lily Ann, Ellie Mai and Archie.
The courtroom was packed for the AGM with family members of the late Councillor Stephen O’Gorman also present.
Councillor Marian McMahon Jones was elected deputy mayor, having been proposed by Councillor Liam Williams and seconded by Councillor Tom Clyne.
Councillor Moroney described his election as mayor as a “bitter sweet evening” given that he is likely to be the last town mayor as town councils are due to be abolished next May.
“I’m saddened by the prospect that this might be the last time that this happens. I would like nothing more than seeing someone else being elected first person of Kilrush and leading such a progressive, open and transparent council,” the Independent town mayor said, while he also paid a warm tribute to the late Councillor Stephen O’Gorman.
Councillor Moroney expressed his disappointment at the likelihood of town council’s being abolished and called for a parallel referendum, along with the Seanad referendum, on the issue. He warned of higher charges in the town if the town council ceases to exist.
“The true effects of this proposal will only be felt if this first level of democracy is removed from people. It will leave towns like Kilrush open to higher commercial rates and higher parking charges in extended areas of the town, which this council has vigorously resisted for years. It is my belief that Kilrush will not get the same priority if it is assumed into a greater district,” the new town mayor warned.
He said that Kilrush should be the hub of an “economic revival” in West Clare, while he highlighted the revitalisation of Kilrush town centre, improved roads and the development of the proposed sports complex on the Cooraclare road as priorities for his year in office.
“I will make sure that every voice and every concern is listened to. We cannot solve every problem in the town but we do as we always do, our very best. I am an honest man. I’m hard working. I believe our youth is our future and their interest is most important to the vitality of Kilrush. I also believe our elderly are some of the most valuable people in our community and should be looked after at all times,” said Mayor Moroney, adding that he planned to hold monthly meetings with Kilrush Chamber, the gardaí and West Clare county councillors to ensure that the town is a “good place to live in and a good place to do business in”.
Along with town manager, Anne Haugh, all councillors paid tribute to the new mayor with Councillor Ian Lynch especially effusive.
“You’re a lovely person. You are an honest person and a hardworking person. I love going into Bourke’s to meet you,” Councillor Lynch gushed.
Councillor Christy O’Malley was equally impressed with the town mayor.
“You look exceptionally well tonight,” Councillor O’Malley noted, praising what he described as Councillor Moroney’s “sartorial elegance.”