Minutes 2019

Minutes of November Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 4th November, 2019


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Bree,
  • Councillor Casserly,
  • Councillor Clarke,
  • Councillor Connolly,
  • Councillor Fox,
  • Councillor Gilroy,
  • Councillor MacManus,
  • Councillor Mullaney,
  • Councillor Mulvey,
  • Councillor O’Boyle,
  • Councillor O’Grady,
  • Councillor Queenan,
  • Councillor Taylor.

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Ciarán Hayes, Chief Executive
  • Marie Whelan, Head of Finance
  • Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services
  • Kevin Colreavy, Meetings Administrator
  • Jimmy O’Brien, I.S. Project Leader
  • Jo-Anne McGonigle, Assistant Staff Officer

 

LEAS-CATHAOIRLEACH:

Leas-Cathaoirleach, Councillor G. O’Boyle, presided. 

 

APOLOGIES:

Apologies were received from Councillor Baker, Councillor Healy, Councillor MacSharry, Councillor Maguire and Councillor Walsh.

 

ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING AS A MARK OF RESPECT TO THE LATE JOE SHANNON:

At the opening of the Meeting it was

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“That the Meeting be adjourned as a mark of respect to former Member of Sligo County Council, the late Joe Shannon.”

Councillor Taylor informed the meeting that he had proposed the adjournment following the death of former Councillor and his good friend, Joe Shannon.  Joe had served on Sligo County Council on two occasions and had been both a good friend and mentor to him.  Sympathies were extended to his wife Fiona, daugher Melissa, son Daire, mother Eilish, brothers Eamonn, David and Brendan and sister Margaret. 

The late Joe was regarded as a gentleman who was a quiet, unassuming man.  He loved everything associated with politics and had been a great Fianna Fáil Party man and a friend to everyone.  Councillor Taylor reiterated how so many people had described him as a gentleman.  It was recalled how on the campaign trail he always had stories to tell and encouragement to give to keep people going when they would be getting tired.  He had been one of the finest men Councillor Taylor had the priviledge and honour to work along with.  He had served the people of Gurteen and Cloonloo while a Councillor but had continued to do so in the years that followed.  On moving to Jamestown, he had continued this community work in his new home, particularly with St. Mary’s G.A.A. Club.  The affect he had on that area was evident at his funeral in the large turnout that had attended.

In seconding the proposal, Councillor Mullaney concurred that Joe had been an absolute gentleman.  They had contested the 2004 elections together and he had enjoyed the conversations every time they met.  His respect for people of different political persuasions was clear to be seen, as was his honesty.&nbsp  It had been a joy to meet him on every occasion where he always made time for those he met.  Those discussions always concluded with a conversation about the political landscape.  Sympathies were then extended by Councillor Mullaney to Joe’s family and the people of Gurteen. 

Councillor O’Grady said it was very fitting that the meeting would stand adjourned as a mark of respect to the late Joe Shannon who had served two terms on Sligo County Council.  Joe had been a great friend of Councillor O’Grady’s in politics who was a great community and family man.  As had been highlighted by Councillor Taylor, this had been very evident at his Funeral.  Sympathies were extended by Councillor Taylor to his wife and family.  It was also noted that his mother had lost her husband, also former Councillor Joe Shannon, at the same age of 56 years old.  Councillor O’Grady recalled her link to the Shannon family going back to working with her mother alongside the late Joe Shannon Senior.  The meeting was informed that the night Joe became ill, he had been at the Cinema with his son Daire and some of the football team.  That had been the measure of the man.

Councillor Gilroy said, while he had not known Joe in his days as a Councillor, he had met him nine or ten years ago when he became Chair of their Organisation.  He had taken his role very seriously and always tried to ensure there were no losers in any discussions.

Councillor Bree referred to the deep sense of commitment Joe had for those he served.  Three words came to mind when he thought of Joe – decent, respectful and honourable.  The tribute from his good friend and colleague, Councillor Taylor, had given testament to his integrity and dedication.  Councillor Bree concluded by also extending his deepest sympathy to his wife, children and family.

Councillor Mulvey added his sympathies to those already extended.  Again, he agreed how he had always found Joe to be a gentleman since he had met him many years ago.  Regardless of anyone’s political persuasion, Joe took time to talk and have a discussion.  He also extended sympathy to Joe’s wife, Fiona, who was a Teacher in Ballymote.  Again, Joe’s role as a “community man” was referred to.  It had been a great loss to the Cloonloo and Gurteen area when he had moved to Jamestown but had gone on to be a great community man there.

Councillor MacManus joined in supporting the vote of sympathy and proposal to adjourn the meeting.  While Joe had been from the other end of the county, they had always met during elections.  He was an outgoing character, made time for all and enjoyed the sense of camraderie in politics.  All of this was done with his sense for the common good.  In conclusion, he also extended his sympathies to Joe’s wife and family.

Councillor Casserly referred to Joe’s friendship with Councillor Taylor and, from what she had read, Joe was a giant in both Fianna Fáil and footballing circles.

Councillor Queenan had known Joe Shannon for over 40 years when they met in Ógra Fianna Fáil.  He was a gentleman who respected everyone’s point of view.  Sincere sympathies were also extended by Councillor Queenan.

Councillor Connolly asked to be associated with the vote of sympathy to Joe’s wife, family and extended family.  He had met Joe about 30 years ago when he had been in the Pub business in Gurteen.  They had enjoyed many Fianna Fáil functions there where Joe had supported his business. 

Councillor Fox referred to the history between Joe and his family where, again, they had always found him to be a gentleman.  He supported both the vote of sympathy and adjournment.

Councillor Clarke associated himself with the vote of sympathy to Joe’s family on their loss.  Joe had been a community man and a decent man.  He always knew your name and would always say ‘hello’ without any airs or graces.  Many in his new community had been surprised to hear he was a former Member of Sligo County Council but understood when they heard as he was a great community man in their area too.  Sympathies were extended to the communities of St. Mary’s G.A.A., Jamestown and Carrick-on-Shannon on their loss too.

In concluding the discussion, the Leas-Cathaoirleach referred to speaking with Joe at the last Election.  He had also found him to be a very nice man and extended his condolences to the Shannon and extended family.

On his own behalf and on behalf of the staff, the Chief Executive extended his condolences to Fiona, Melissa and Daire and the Shannon family.  While he had not known Joe well, he had met him in the context of elections and at the Count Centres and could attest to his qualities and the depth of character .

On behalf of the Shannon Family, Councillor Taylor thanked everybody for their support over the time of the Funeral.  This had included Councillors, former Councillors and staff.

 

DATE OF NEXT MEETING:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“To adjourn the business of the Meeting to Monday, 11th November, 2019 with the Meeting commencing at 1.30 p.m.”

 

END OF MEETING:

The business of the meeting concluded at 10.25 a.m.

 


Meeting Date 04/11/2019