‘I would like to think I did my county some service' – Mayor of the County of Cork reflects on his tenure
The long serving politician said it was a huge honour to serve as the Mayor of the County of Cork and he thanked the people of Cork County for placing their trust in him.
He urged his colleagues to keep battling in their continued pursuit of extra money for roads and other services throughout the county.
During an emotional speech, the outgoing mayor shared some personal highlights during his time as the county mayor. 'Montana was special. Walking in the footsteps of 1500 miners from the Beara Peninsula who migrated in the early 20th century following the failure of the copper mines in Allihies. It was one of the best events of the year. We also strengthened our international ties by inviting ambassadors from China and Canda and senior legislative leaders from the United States to County Hall.'
Turning his attention to more local matters, the Skibbereen based councillor said he was especially proud to host a successful gala fundraiser in Skibbereen which raised vital funds for Cancer Connect and CoAction West Cork. 'Celebrating our Olympic rowing heroes from Skibbereen was another standout moment. Welcoming them home in September and recognising their achievements with a civic reception in May was a proud occasion.
'Other stand out moments must include the memorial service in Ahakista on Monday, June 23 to mark the 40th anniversary of the Air India tragedy. It was a moving ceremony. It was wonderful to meeting so many family members from Canada and India,' he added.
'I am filled with hope and optimism for the future of our county,' said the departing mayor. 'Thank you once again for the privilege of serving as your mayor. It has been an unforgettable journey one I will cherish always. I would like to think I did my county some service.'
The outgoing mayor was afforded a standing ovation from his colleagues and members of the executive.
The leader of the Fianna Fáil party in Cork County Council, Cllr Patrick Gerard Murphy led the tributes to the outgoing mayor. 'You did it with aplomb and you did it your own way. You really served the people and Cork County Council with huge drive and commitment. You were a champion for roads and for back to municipal district staffing again.'
Fine Gael councillor Michael Hegarty thanked Mr Carroll for his professionalism over the past 12 months. 'You represented the county, both home and away. You did an excellent job. We are so proud of you. I think you do genuinely need a break. Well done again.'
Labour Party councillor Cathal Rasmussen congratulated Joe on a great 12 months. 'You led the county with great distinction. It was a pleasure to work with you. Enjoy your well-deserved rest.'
Independent Ireland councillor Danny Collins mischievously said Joe will be available to carry out more chores around the family home in Skibbereen once again. 'You really represented our county with great pride and dignity. I would like to congratulate Sheila, Linda and Anna for the year. You have Joe back for cutting the lawns and cleaning the window and doing the odd dinner. You must be over the moon.'
'You really represented us and the county with panache and style that we hadn't seen before,' said Independent councillor Alan Coleman: 'You have been an excellent representative. Having listened to your contribution earlier you might consider joining the diplomatic corps you get on so well with the other ambassadors.'
Sinn Féin councillor Eoghan Fahy praised the outgoing mayor for carrying out his role with a great sense of humour. 'You have been a very hard working mayor. You stressed the need for more funding for roads. This year our funding increased and you played a role in that.'
The CEO of Cork County Council, Ms Moira Murrell said she enjoyed working with Joe. 'We got a lot done. He was a hard worker and he was a steady hand especially when it came to the budget negotiations. He served the county with distinction and pride.'
Mr Carroll's party colleague Deirdre Kelly enjoyed the last words from the chamber: 'On a day when everybody in the media is talking about the last Joe show in Dublin, it doesn't compare to the Joe show that we have here.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Extra.ie
2 days ago
- Extra.ie
Possible run for Áras by Joe Duffy has big parties spooked
The major political parties are preparing to significantly 'recalibrate' their election strategies should Joe Duffy decide on an Áras run. Amid growing speculation that Labour is considering recruiting the former Liveline host, senior sources from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael indicated they would be reluctant to challenge the popular ex-RTÉ presenter. Former government minister Mary Hanafin, speaking on RTÉ yesterday, made a strong play for the nomination, noting she would 'like to bring 30 years of public service, at local and national level, to the job'. Mary Hanafin. Pic: Colin Keegan, Collins, Dublin. She said: 'The Taoiseach knows me well and knows my record in government.' She added that she has spoken to Micheál Martin about her desire to run for president, adding that he listened, but there have been no commitments. It has also emerged that former junior minister Peter Power has held secret discussions with the Fianna Fáil leadership about putting his name forward. One senior Fianna Fáil source said: 'If talk to Joe runs, those ships are sunk. We would not be at the races there, not even the starting gates.' Joe Duffy. Pic: RTE Political observers noted that Mr Duffy was somewhat coy on RTÉ this week on the issue of running for the presidency. One senior Government member said: 'The cock crowed about four times in that interview offering Joe a way to put that story to bed and he did not take the opportunity.' Though Labour was coy about the party's intentions, one Fine Gael minister said: 'He would be the perfect acquisition for Labour and the Social Democrats and if they were to acquire him, Sinn Féin would have to follow, even with gritted teeth, given they want a united left. 'It would make it very difficult for us. Joe Duffy. Pic: RTÉ 'We might even have to withdraw from the contest in the national interest. I'd love to be in a room when [party leader Simon] Harris is in a room explaining that to Mairead [McGuinness] or Seán Kelly.' One Government source added: 'This is the election no one wants to fight. So long as there are no presidential-type of scandals, Joe is elected by acclamation. His presence will spook away even the most stupid of candidates. 'The one problem we have is that Joe might be a bit working class for Labour, and he would definitely be too working class for the Social Democrats. He might even be a bit working class for the new Sinn Féin social democrats, but they will follow Labour and the Social Democrats to avoid an election.' Mairead McGuinness. Pic: Julien Warnand/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock As Fianna Fáil continue to struggle to find a viable candidate, one senior party source said: 'Duffy could be our great escape. Who knows, he could be selected by acclaim, and we mightn't need an election at all.' Another Fianna Fáil source added: 'Now if Fine Gael want to run Mairead on her own they can but we think Simon may have some explaining to do with Seán and Mairead yet. We'll leave that job to him. 'Micheál himself cited Joe's values as the voice of the people and his working-class values, sure he's closer to us than that Labour crew. Duffy is a big old political whale. The possibility of his candidacy is certainly creating a political chill. 'The blunt reality is that the likes of Éamon Ó Cuív, Mary Hanafin, Cynthia Ní Mhurchu and Peter Power, whoever he is, are in the 7%-10% stakes.' Commenting on the notoriously dangerous presidential race, one senior political source said: 'If he can survive 40 years in the snake pit that is RTÉ and leave carrying his shield, then he can manage a presidential campaign. 'He is home and hosed unless something emerges about an unpaid parking ticket. 'You would feel guilty about having an innocent run, but that's not the case with 'Talk to Joe', you would think.'
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Irish Independent
‘I would like to think I did my county some service' – Mayor of the County of Cork reflects on his tenure
The outgoing mayor's tenure concluded on Friday, June 27 and he reflected fondly on his time as the first citizen of Cork County. The long serving politician said it was a huge honour to serve as the Mayor of the County of Cork and he thanked the people of Cork County for placing their trust in him. He urged his colleagues to keep battling in their continued pursuit of extra money for roads and other services throughout the county. During an emotional speech, the outgoing mayor shared some personal highlights during his time as the county mayor. 'Montana was special. Walking in the footsteps of 1500 miners from the Beara Peninsula who migrated in the early 20th century following the failure of the copper mines in Allihies. It was one of the best events of the year. We also strengthened our international ties by inviting ambassadors from China and Canda and senior legislative leaders from the United States to County Hall.' Turning his attention to more local matters, the Skibbereen based councillor said he was especially proud to host a successful gala fundraiser in Skibbereen which raised vital funds for Cancer Connect and CoAction West Cork. 'Celebrating our Olympic rowing heroes from Skibbereen was another standout moment. Welcoming them home in September and recognising their achievements with a civic reception in May was a proud occasion. 'Other stand out moments must include the memorial service in Ahakista on Monday, June 23 to mark the 40th anniversary of the Air India tragedy. It was a moving ceremony. It was wonderful to meeting so many family members from Canada and India,' he added. 'I am filled with hope and optimism for the future of our county,' said the departing mayor. 'Thank you once again for the privilege of serving as your mayor. It has been an unforgettable journey one I will cherish always. I would like to think I did my county some service.' The outgoing mayor was afforded a standing ovation from his colleagues and members of the executive. The leader of the Fianna Fáil party in Cork County Council, Cllr Patrick Gerard Murphy led the tributes to the outgoing mayor. 'You did it with aplomb and you did it your own way. You really served the people and Cork County Council with huge drive and commitment. You were a champion for roads and for back to municipal district staffing again.' Fine Gael councillor Michael Hegarty thanked Mr Carroll for his professionalism over the past 12 months. 'You represented the county, both home and away. You did an excellent job. We are so proud of you. I think you do genuinely need a break. Well done again.' Labour Party councillor Cathal Rasmussen congratulated Joe on a great 12 months. 'You led the county with great distinction. It was a pleasure to work with you. Enjoy your well-deserved rest.' Independent Ireland councillor Danny Collins mischievously said Joe will be available to carry out more chores around the family home in Skibbereen once again. 'You really represented our county with great pride and dignity. I would like to congratulate Sheila, Linda and Anna for the year. You have Joe back for cutting the lawns and cleaning the window and doing the odd dinner. You must be over the moon.' 'You really represented us and the county with panache and style that we hadn't seen before,' said Independent councillor Alan Coleman: 'You have been an excellent representative. Having listened to your contribution earlier you might consider joining the diplomatic corps you get on so well with the other ambassadors.' Sinn Féin councillor Eoghan Fahy praised the outgoing mayor for carrying out his role with a great sense of humour. 'You have been a very hard working mayor. You stressed the need for more funding for roads. This year our funding increased and you played a role in that.' The CEO of Cork County Council, Ms Moira Murrell said she enjoyed working with Joe. 'We got a lot done. He was a hard worker and he was a steady hand especially when it came to the budget negotiations. He served the county with distinction and pride.' Mr Carroll's party colleague Deirdre Kelly enjoyed the last words from the chamber: 'On a day when everybody in the media is talking about the last Joe show in Dublin, it doesn't compare to the Joe show that we have here.'
Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Irish Independent
Councillors demand meeting over Youghal Courthouse closure
The letter to Cork County Council from the private secretary of Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan said that on the second Friday of each month from June 1, cases from Youghal are being heard in Dungarvan in a sitting intended for child and family law cases. The letter went on to state that the judge assigned to the district has issued a direction transferring the District Court business currently listed at Youghal to Dungarvan Courthouse with effect from November 1 this year. The Courts Service is engaging and consulting with all relevant stakeholders, including An Garda Síochána, 'in relation to the impacts and any possible unintended consequences of these changes,' the letter added. The Councillors blasted the lack of engagement with them in the stakeholder consultation and outlined the detrimental effect that the decision will have on the East Cork town and the surrounding locality. 'The direct impact over the division of East Cork, where we could be losing staffing levels from Cobh, Midleton, Carrigtwohill, Killeagh and all the sub-villages to go to Youghal on days when An Garda Síochána will have to go to Dungarvan is not acceptable,' said Cllr Ann Marie Ahern. 'The Garda presence will be out of the town for numbers of hours if they have to travel to Dungarvan, which is in another county, which to me shouldn't be allowed at all. As well as that, you've family courts and you've people on the margins that won't be able to afford to attend courts financially,' said Cllr Mary Linehan Foley. Cllr Linehan Foley rejected the suggestion that the current court building, the Mall House, is draughty, which has been reported as one of the reasons behind moving the court sittings to Dungarvan. 'We have heaters, they can be used, and at the end of the day, we [East Cork Municipal District] used the courthouse during COVID ourselves and we were never cold, far from it, inside there.' She pointed out that the current building has been used as a courthouse for over twenty years. Cllr Michael Hegarty said the Youghal Courthouse district 'represents and covers a vast area. There are people on the margins who would need to use those facilities and expecting or requesting them to go to Dungarvan, it's not on. 'And as well as that, the Gardai are very disappointed and annoyed as well to be taken out of their normal jurisdiction. If it happens, you'll see an awful lot of cases being deferred, adjourned, and it will lead just to a major backlog in dealing with the court services.' Cork County Council is now going to send a letter to the Department of Justice calling for a meeting with the minister or a department official. 'I think it's actually very frustrating to get a response like this without any engagement with the public reps of the area. I'm very nervous that this is a fait accompli, that it's done and dusted at this stage. And that's why the letter we got back from the department is kind of brushing us aside. But we're not going to be brushed aside on this," said Councillor Linehan Foley. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
