New mayor for Shannon

SHANNON has a new mayor following the election of Mary Brennan to the position this week.
Also at Tuesday’s town council meeting, Vincent Coleman was co-opted to the body. Mr Coleman was nominated by Sean McLoughlin, who said he is a long-standing member of Fine Gael and someone who has served the community well. His nomination was seconded by Councillor Mary Brennan.
Independent Councillor Gerry Flynn congratulated the new member, while Councillor Patricia McCarthy said she is sure he will represent the people of Shannon very well. “In spite of some of the acrimony, we do work as a unit for the people of the town,” she added.
A number of other councillors also welcomed him to the council, along with town manager, Bernadette Kinsella.
When the vacancy for the position of mayor was discussed, Councillor Brennan was nominated by Councillor McCarthy, while she was seconded by Councillor Sean McLoughlin.
“I’d like to thank the members for this unique honour. The vacancy has been brought about by Tony’s achievement and he will be missed at town council level but he will always be involved locally,” she said.
Councillor Brennan was only elected to the position of mayor for the next two weeks but following that, it is expected she will be elected to the position for the coming year.
Labour party councillor Tony McMahon congratulated Councillor Brennan and said he has enjoyed working with her since her election, while his colleague, Greg Duff said he is confident she would do a good job.
Councillor Sean McLoughlin said he has no doubt she would be “a completely independent chairperson”.
Councillor McCarthy also said she had faith in Councillor Brennan. “It is something special, it is an honour, it’s a special position in the town with certain responsibilities and I’m sure you will discharge them admirably.”
Councillor Coleman said anyone who knew Councillor Brennan would know she would do Shannon proud.
Some of the members also praised Councillor Michael Fleming, who had been filling in as mayor since Tony Mulcahy’s election to the senate.