THE sense of community that exists throughout Clare has been lauded by the outgoing Clare Council chairman, P J Ryan.
In his address to councillors at the authority’s annual general meeting on Friday, Councillor Ryan said serving the council as first citizen has been a “huge honour” over the past year.
“I always wore the mayoral chain in the knowledge I represented everyone in this chamber as well as people of this county.
“I attempted to attend as many events as possible across the county where I met many wonderful businesses and communities. From my engagement with people, I know the sense of community is one of our greatest attributes.
“It has been an extraordinary 12 months here and abroad in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic and the crisis in Ukraine.”
He said it heartening that people in the community have worked so hard to provide help and support to those who need it most, which is something to be really proud of.
Looking back over the past year, he recalled the council has had many achievements too many to list during the meeting.
“We have worked to overcome differences in opinion, which is a healthy part of democracy and part of making progress.”
He described the unveiling of a memorial at Shanakyle graveyard in Kilrush to commemorate the children who died at the Clare County Nursery who were not remembered for decades as “very significant”.
He was proud that the Mayor’s Ball, which he hosted with Councillor Ann Norton, raised funding for two worth charities – Clare Crusaders and the Clare Cancer Support Centre.
He was also delighted to honour the outstanding achievements of seven individuals with mayoral awards for their excellence, bravery and commitment.
“Leading the Clare congregation down Fifth Avenue in New York on St Patrick’s Day will remain a high point for me and was a truly memorable experience. It is a great stage to promote our county.
“I have welcomed many government ministers to Clare and the Tánaiste to showcase some of the excellent work being done here.
“The council continues to work with government departments to progress projects and initiatives.”
He paid tribute to Fionn O’Brien, a lifeguard, who died after a tragic accident on July 5,2021. “Fionn was a wonderful smiling young man, whose loss was deeply felt. It was one of my first
job’s after becoming chairman to attend his funeral, which was a very sad occasion.”
He thanked chief executive, Pat Dowling, council staff, officials Ann Reynolds and Ann Marie McElwee for keeping him on the straight and narrow over the last 12 months.
He is confident the council will continue to support communities, local businesses and tourist attractions to ensure Clare remains a wonderful place to live, work and visit.
Glowing tributes were paid to Councillor Ryan from several councillors for his wonderful year as first citizen and for representing the county with distinction.
Councillor Pat Hayes said the outgoing first citizen has worked very well with all political groupings in the council and joined an illustrious group of councillors who have led the chamber over the decades.
Several councillors wished Councillor P J Ryan’s wife, Mary a speedy recovery after he had earlier thanked her and his family for their support during the year.
East Clare correspondent, Dan Danaher is a journalism graduate of Rathmines and UL. He has won numerous awards for special investigations on health, justice, environment, and reports on news, agriculture, disability, mental health and community.