Tributes paid to Aoner Sheridan

THE monthly meeting of Ennis Town Council was adjourned this Tuesday as a mark of respect to former town councillor Michael (Aoner) Sheridan, who died on April 22.
Mr Sheridan served as a town councillor in Ennis continuously from 1967 to 1994. He was an Independent member of council.

He lived at 22 Dalcassian Park, Ennis and was pre-deceased by his wife Kitty and son Mikie. He is survived by his sons, Tom, Gerry and John and daughters Mary and Breda. He passed away in Páirc na Coille Nursing Home, Ennis.
Councillor Tommy Brennan said that he had served with Mr Sheridan on Ennis Town Council for 15 years and had fond memories of him as a man who was a hard worker and had a big heart. “He was a small man but he was strong in his actions and words. He had a very big heart and always put others first,” Councillor Brennan recalled.
He said that in his own early days on Ennis Town Council, he remembers Mr Sheridan organising busses to bring children and young adults to Lahinch for the day. “He’d hire a bus and bring them down to the seaside in Lahinch. These kids wouldn’t have otherwise got to the seaside. He was loved by all the children he brought there and provided a wonderful service for them. There must be many a middle-aged man and woman in Ennis now who remember those trips with Aoner,” the councillor said.
He added that Mr Sheridan originally worked as a carpenter. He was well-known all over Ennis, not only as a town councillor but also for his hurling skills. “He played hurling with the Old Dalcassians (Dals) for many years, from when he was a very young lad to senior level. I think he even trained lads when he was done with playing himself,” he added.
As a councillor he described Mr Sheridan as “a real hard worker”. “He was always looking out for the good of the ordinary person. He could put his point across in a very strong way and was a dynamic member of the town council, whose view was respected. But we also had mighty craic with him.”
Councillor Brennan said that Mr Sheridan was a good friend to many people and was privileged to count himself as one of his friends. “He was of great assistance to me when I started on the council and he really showed me the ropes. He always had solid advice to offer,” the councillor said.
He added that Mr Sheridan had been in relatively good health and had still been very active.
Mayor of Ennis, Councillor Frankie Neylon, announced that Tuesday evening’s monthly meeting of Ennis Town Council would be adjourned as a mark of respect to Mr Sheridan. “He was a Trojan worker for the people of Ennis and someone who always worked for the benefit of others,” he said.
Councillor Michael Guilfoyle said that he has also served for a period as a town councillor with Mr Sheridan. “He was Michael, but affectionately known as Aoner, as he was often alone but never alone at the same time. It’s sad to see another great Ennis man gone to God now but he would be looking down on us all with the likes of Paddy Coote and Michael Mulqueen,” the councillor commented.
Councillor Peter Considine said that he had been a town councillor with Mr Sheridan for many years. “I wonder how the executive of today’s council would deal with Aoner Sheridan. He was certainly more physical in his representations than some of us now. He was able to stand up to the big guys. And he also proved that with his longevity,” he remarked.
Councillor Johnny Flynn added that he had grown up following his council antics and speeches in the pages of The Clare Champion.
Ennis town manager Ger Dollard said while he had never worked with Mr Sheridan, his name often comes up in relation to certain council issues and policies. “I’ve heard great stories involving him and many people have fond memories of him,” he added.
Town clerk Eddie Power recalled that he met Mr Sheridan when he first came to work in Ennis Town Council in 1989. “He gave me a great welcome. He was a great character and had great charisma. He was a very good representative for the people of Ennis,” he said.