New mayor to honour those who have made a difference

ENNIS’ newly elected Mayor Michael Guilfoyle wasted no time in outlining his plans for his year in office, announcing moments after his election this week that he intends to honour people who have made a difference in the town.
Speaking after taking the chain of office on Monday, he said, “With the support of the members of the council, I would like to see a return of civic recognition for people who have made a difference to the town. In the next couple of months, I would like people who have made a difference, whether this year or 20 years ago.”
At the mayoral election, Councillor Guilfoyle, who lost his seat on the council in 2004 and regained it again in 2009, was likened to that other Turnpike man Muhammad Ali, with Councillor Frankie Neylon describing him as “The Comeback Kid”.
“They say people from the Turnpike are great fighters and you proved that when you came back,” said Councillor Neylon.
Councillor Guilfoyle was elected mayor after being voted into office by the majority of councillors at this week’s annual general meeting of Ennis Town Council. Also nominated for the position was Councillor Johnny Flynn, with Councillor Guilfoyle winning five votes out of nine councillors.
The father of four replaces outgoing mayor Councillor Tommy Brennan who reflected on “another great year” for the local authority. He outlined that this year has seen three community projects come to fruition, the installation of CCTV cameras, the refurbished Tim Smythe Park and the new Junction community and youth centre.
Councillor Guilfoyle was proposed for the role of mayor by Councillor Peter Considine who stated he believed Councillor Guilfoyle would do “an excellent job”. The nomination was seconded by Councillor Frankie Neylon. Councillor Flynn was nominated by Councillor Mary Howard, seconded by Councillor Paul O’Shea.
Voting for Councillor Guilfoyle were Councillor Brennan; Councillor Considine; Councillor Guilfoyle; Councillor Brian Meaney and Councillor Neylon. While Councillor Mary Coote Ryan, Councillor Flynn, Councillor Mary Howard and Councillor O’Shea voted for Councillor Flynn.
A member of Ennis Town Council from 1985 to 2004, Councillor Guilfoyle held the position of chairman of the council in 1988 and 1991. He regained his seat on the council in 2009.
On his election, the new mayor stated, “This is my first time holding the office of mayor. It’s a great honour for me to be mayor, as someone who was born and bred in this town.”
He recalled he held the position of chairman of the council more than 20 years ago. “There have been a lot of changes since then. I was elected deputy mayor two years ago and I see the responsibility for councillors has got a lot bigger. The town was developing 21 years ago but we are in different times now. As elected representatives, we are among the few who are very near to people, we are the people who can assist in getting the economy moving.”
He praised his challenger for office, Councillor Flynn, and congratulated Councillor Brennan on his successful year as mayor.
Councillor Considine commented that Councillor Guilfoyle had always represented the town with “great dignity and panache”. Councillor Coote Ryan added, “I know you will have a great year and do a very good job”. Councillor Howard described Councillor Guilfoyle as “a great friend to everyone”. Councillor Brennan wished him a good year in office while Councillor Neylon commented, “The focus of this council is on the people of Ennis and the betterment of the people of the town and with that focus, I hope your year will be as successful as previous years”.
Councillor Flynn stated that Councillor Guilfoyle has “the experience and skills” for the job while Councillor O’Shea commended him saying, “I’m sure you will do a first-class job”.
Councillor Meaney assured the new mayor he “didn’t intend to make it easy” for him, adding “you have brought wisdom and experience to bear on this council”.” The town manager Ger Dollard, town clerk Eddie Power and Eamon O’Dea, senior executive engineer, also congratulated the new mayor and complimented Councillor Brennan on his year in office.
Councillor Neylon was elected deputy mayor, winning the majority of votes against Councillor O’Shea, who was also nominated.
On his election, Councillor Neylon said, “I have a great affinity with the town, like all of the councillors and this council is working extremely hard to ensure Ennis is up there and a nice place to live and work.”