Good-natured tributes and stories shared as Tipperary roads director retires

This week’s Tipperary County Council meeting was the last for one of Tipperary County Council’s most well-known directors.

The director of roads and transport and the Nenagh Municipal District Marcus O’Connor will shortly retire. Councillors paid good-natured tributes to the council official, who they say was “tough but fair.”

Many shared stories of battles, discussions and achievements they shared with Mr O’Connor, over his 24 years at the council.

Chief Executive of Tipperary County Council, Joe MacGrath, said Mr O’Connor was a committed professional who stood by what he believed in and served the county well.

“There is no corner of this county that has not benefited from the work of Marcus O’Connor.

“We wish you all the best on what will be a very long and healthy retirement,” said Mr MacGrath.

Cllr Noel Coonan said that Mr O’Connor had great patience even when things got heated, and he said Mr O’Connor was a great loss to the council.

“Marcus looks way to young and handsome to be retiring from Tipperary County Council,” said Cllr Coonan.

While Cllr Seamus Morris quipped that the council should name the bridge in Ballina after the outgoing director.

He also said that under Mr O’Connor’s directorship, things were ‘done right’ in a way that well managed the councillors’ concerns.

Transformation

Most councillors had examples of projects led by Marcus O’Connor.

Nenagh councillor John Carroll said that Mr O’Connor was responsible for the ‘transformation’ of Tipperary’s roads. Thurles councillor Jim Ryan said Mr O’Connor’s legacy in the town was the Jimmy Doyle Road.

“He got that over the line for us and we are grateful for it,” said Cllr Ryan.

Cllr Rocky McGrath said that in the years to come, the council will still be thanking Mr O’Connor for work commenced today.

A Talented Debater

The roads director is perhaps most well-known for giving as good as he gets in discussions with councillors.

Cllr Joe Hanigan called him ‘a sound man’ and lamented never having won an argument. This was a sentiment echoed by many at this week’s meeting.

However, Cllr Hanafin recounted a time a discussion got so heated over an issue in Thurles, Mr O’Connor drove out to review the councillors complaint.

Only to decide the councillor was right. Tipperary Cathaoirleach Ger Darcy thanked Mr O’Connor for his service.

“He put his experience to good use in every directorship he held,” said Cllr Darcy.

South Tipperary councillor Siobhan Ambrose said:

“Although not a Tipperary man, you have done Tipperary a great service.”Mr O’Connor thanked all the councillors for their “kind words.”

He said the good work he achieved at the council was in part a credit to councillors he worked with.

“I think we achieved a fair amount between us.

“I have enjoyed my time here, and I thank all of you for that,” said Mr O’Connor.