Popular Tipperary county councillor announces he will not run for election next year

Tributes have been paid to Cllr Hughie McGrath on his year as Cathaoirleach of Nenagh Municipal District Council and for the legacies he has left while involved in politics after he announced at the district council’s AGM that he would not be running in next June’s local elections.

Cllr McGrath, who was first elected in 2004 to Nenagh Town Council, served once as Mayor of the town and once as Cathaoirleach of the district.

He also served on the EU Committee of the Regions and on its committee to oversee Montenegro’s accession to the European Union.

“I had a great 20 years. I really enjoyed it,” he said.

Cllr McGrath said that he had friends who had not alone canvassed for him but were also there for organising the St Patrick’s Day parade and Castlefest, which is on this Saturday and Sunday in Nenagh.

The Independent councillor said that it had been a mistake to get rid of town councils, and described himself as “very much a town councillor”.

He said the current council set-up was “not for me. I don't see a place for me currently in Tipperary County Council."

He thanked everyone for their help over the 20 years, those who voted for him and especially his family.

“My wife Breda had my back all the time,” he said.

Cllr Seamus Morris said Cllr McGrath would leave a few legacies behind him, pointing to the St Patrick’s Day parade and lighting up the N52 walkway.

“He is a good friend of mine and a good friend to me,” said Cllr Morris.

Cllr Michael O’Meara said Cllr McGrath had always been “pragmatic” and was well thought of in Nenagh.

Cllr Ger Darcy said that when it came to projects, Cllr McGrath had “just rolled up your sleeves and got it done”.

“You will leave a rich legacy of achievements behind you. You will be sorely missed,” said Cllr John Carrol.

Cllr Phyll Bugle also highlighted Cllr McGrath’s role in the St Patrick’s Day parade and Castlefest, while Cllr Fiona Bonfield said he was a “people person” who you would always see chatting to people around the town.

“I am disappointed you are not running and wish you well,” she said.

Cllr Joe Hannigan described Cllr McGrath as a “good chairman, a good guy and a great character”.

He said that Cllr McGrath would be a loss to the team on the council and he hoped people understood the part he played in the town.

Cllr John “Rocky” McGrath said that if had not known Cllr McGrath through politics he would have known him through the town as Cllr McGrth had doe a “serious amount of work. You are a credit to yourself and to the council.”

County Tipperary Chief Executive Joe MacGrath said that he was saddened to hear of Cllr McGrath’s decision not to run again.

“You are a proud Nenagh man, and they are proud of you,” he said

District administrator Rosemary Joyce, said that Cllr McGrath had always been a pleasure to deal with and was always helpful.

“You never lost your temper. You were always a gentleman to deal with,” she said. “You are a quiet leader in your own way.”

District manager Marcus O’Connor described Cllr McGrath as an “unapologetically Nenagh man from St Joseph’s Park”.

Cllr McGrath is the second high-profile councillor to announce they will not seek re-election next year with Thurles-based Cllr Seamus Hanafin announcing last month that he was stepping down when the current council comes to an end next June.