Newcastle West councillor Tom Ruddle secures leading role on local authority

NEWCASTLE West-based auctioneer Tom Ruddle has been elected to the role of priomh-chomhairleoir at Limerick City and County Council’s annual general meeting this Tuesday afternoon.

His election came as part of a grand coalition deal drawn up by the two biggest parties on the local authority, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail.

The role of priomh-chomhairleoir was created as a result of the creation of an office of directly elected mayor.

Councillor Ruddle’s main job will be to chair meetings of the full 40-member local authority, but he may also deputise for Mayor John Moran at certain events.

The Fine Gael man was first elected to the Newcastle West municipal district in 2019, securing 1,808 votes in total.

Five years later, he returned, increasing his total votes to 1,836.

Ironically, on both occasions, Cllr Ruddle’s first preference tally was exactly the same – 1,201 votes.

Married to Marie, he has two adult children Bláthnaid and Andrew, both teachers.

Their son Andrew is an accomplished soccer and Gaelic football player, and was a key member of Newcastle West’s 2021 county football title win, appearing between the sticks for the Magpies.

Cllr Ruddle is president of Newcastle West Town soccer club.

In his previous role as co-chairman, he was instrumental in developing playing fields and a clubhouse at Woodfield in the town.

He started Football for All in Newcastle West in 2012, helping children with additional needs.

A founding member of Newcastle West Lions Club, he holds qualifications and professional experience in insurance, financial advice, mediation, mortgage brokering and auctioneering.

His Fine Gael colleague, Cllr Adam Teskey was elected as leas-phríomh chomhairleoir.

Cllr Ruddle joined by friends and family, plus Communications Minister Patrick O’Donovan at the meeting in County Hall, Dooradoyle.

Speaking to Limerick Live following his election, he said: “I believe we have to all work in the one direction. We are all working for Limerick. It’s very important we all do that.”

Asked what goals he has for his year in office, he added: “I’m a big supporter of autism-friendly measures. I started Football for All in Newcastle West going back 12 years ago. I’ve created Tennis for All in Newcastle West. We are trying to make Newcastle West an autism-friendly town. I’d like this rolled out all through Limerick city and county, because I think we need to do what we can to help people who need the help.”

He also wants to support those who are feeling lonely.

“What can we do as a council to help people, and be a point of contact for a lot of people, I think it’s so important,” he added.