Moment of unity in Limerick as tributes paid to popular council director
Director set to retire after more than 50 years’ service
THERE was a rare moment of unity in the metropolitan district chamber as members came together to celebrate the 50-year tenure of popular council director Kieran Lehane.
Mr Lehane will later this summer retire from the local authority, having worked at the old Limerick Corporation, Limerick City Council and its successor, the merged City and County Council.
To mark the year he began, the outgoing metropolitan district leader, Cllr Daniel Butler prepared a book of headlines from Limerick Leader’s 1975 archive.
"It's an incredible contribution that Kieran Lehane has made. His passion and energy are insurmountable. But he also has real respect for the role of the councillor. It will be hard to replicate his impact and experience,” Cllr Butler said at the district's annual meeting.
Priomh-chomhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery told Mr Lehane: “You are an asset to the council, and you’ve been nothing but courteous and respectful.”
Cllr Sarah Kiely described the official as “the Harry Potter of local Government”.
"You knew everything,” she exclaimed.
Cllr Dan McSweeney added: “The respect you showed members is something I will truly remember.”
“He’s one of our own,” was councillor Kieran O’Hanlon’s verdict.
And councillor Shane Hickey O’Mara added: “To see someone who is so incredibly positive about the city is wonderful to see.”
Cllr Joe Pond, who was elected the new metropolitan district leader at the same meeting, said in the days prior, there was an issue in his home village of Annacotty.
"I didn't even need to pick up the phone to Kieran. He was already onto me,” he smiled.
Cllr Joe Leddin encouraged Mr Lehane to “put pen to paper” on his memoirs.
Cllr Olivia O’Sullivan hailed him as a “rock-steady presence”, with Cllr Padraigh Reale describing him as “one of the most positive men I have ever met in my life”.
"You epitomise everything good about Limerick,” added Cllr Ursula Gavan.
Mr Lehane thanked members for the gift, which he said came “completely out of the blue”.
"I have to commend you all for putting yourselves before the people. You are very courageous. We stand on the same platform. We walk together and we fall together,” he concluded.