Two new councillors co-opted onto Offaly County Council to fill vacant seats

TWO new councillors - Tullamore's Shane Murray (Fianna Fáil) and Kinnitty woman Eleanor Clendennen (Fine Gael) - were co-opted onto Offaly County Council during the local authority's monthly meeting this week.

They've been co-opted to fill the seats vacated by former Cllrs John Clendennen (Fine Gael) and Tony McCormack (Fianna Fáil) after being elected to the Dáil, a situation which the Council refers to as “Casual Vacancies”.

Cllr McCormack was also previously Cathaoirleach of the County Council, therefore this position had to be filled as well. Cllr Peter Ormond (Fianna Fáil) proposed Cllr Audrey Hennessy Kennedy (Fianna Fáil) for the position of Cathaoirleach.

“I have known Audrey for a long time,” remarked Cllr Ormond. “She is an excellent leader. Since her election to the Council in June she has made a great contribution to the Birr area.” Cllr John Leahy (Independent) seconded.

“As a relatively new Councillor she has hit the ground running,” Cllr Leahy commented. “She should be commended on her bravery for putting her name forward for Cathaoirleach, because it's a role which requires a great deal of experience and a considerable amount of hard work. She will have my full support going forward.”

Cllr Hennessy Kennedy had previously been Leas Cathaoirleach, therefore this position had to be filled as well. Cllr Declan Harvey (Fianna Fáil) proposed Cllr Ollie Bryant (Fianna Fáil) for this post. Cllr Frank Moran (Fianna Fáil) seconded.

At the beginning of the meeting, Cllr Hennessy Kennedy, in her role as the new Cathaoirleach, congratulated all the candidates who ran in the General Election, whether they won a seat or not. She congratulated Cllrs Tony McCormack and John Clendennen for winning a seat for the first time and Carol Nolan for being re-elected.

“The Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael parties in Offaly have found replacements for Cllrs McCormack and Clendennen,” she continued, “and have submitted written consent for the replacements. Shane Murray of Fianna Fáil will replace Cllr McCormack.”

Cllr Declan Harvey said Shane Murray is a personal friend of his and lives on Davitt St in Tullamore.

“He is very well known in Tullamore. He's a member of Tullamore Tidy Towns and he works in Tullamore Distillery. He is hugely into Fianna Fáil. He is married to Emer and has two children, Donal and Sinead. I am delighted to propose him to fill this Casual Vacancy.” Cllr Frank Moran seconded.

Cllr Hennessy Kennedy said the other Casual Vacancy will be filled by Eleanor Clendennen, John's sister.

Proposing Cllr Liam Quinn (Fine Gael) said:

“I've known Eleanor for a long time. She is a very hard worker from a very committed family, a family which is deeply committed to their area and to their county.”

Cllr Hughie Egan (Fine Gael) seconded.

“Eleanor is from a well known dynasty family in Kinnitty. She played in goals for the Offaly senior camogie team. She replaced Cllr Hennessy Kennedy as the goalie for the Offaly team. Therefore,” he joked, “the Cathaoirleach might have to watch her back!”

Cllr Seán O'Brien (Independent) said he knows Shane Murray very well.

“Shane will be a great addition to the Council. I don't know Eleanor as well but the comments about her would lead me to believe she will be very good in the role. I want to also offer my commiserations to Cllrs Fitzpatrick, McDonnell, Murray and Masterson. All of them fought a great campaign but unfortunately there are only three seats available.”

Cllr John Leahy commented that if he had to pick ten people in Tullamore who are community activists Shane Murray would be top of the list.

“I also had the pleasure of coaching Eleanor on the county team. She will definitely take no prisoners in the Council chamber!”

Cllr Leahy said the General Election was a bruising campaign.

"It takes a fair person to put their name on the ballot paper.”

Cllr Neil Feighery (Fine Gael) congratulated John Clendennen on winning a seat in the Dáil.

“I am looking forward to working with Eleanor. I'm sure her experience working as a teacher and running a small business in Kinnitty will stand to her. Congratulations to the three new Offaly TDs. It's a great achievement becoming a TD, for you and your families. I have no doubt that all three TDs will deliver for Offaly.”

Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick (Independent) congratulated Cllr Hennessy Kennedy on being elected Cathaoirleach for the next six months.

“I have no doubt it will be a very progressive Council, going forward. We have three TDs in Offaly now and hopefully they will be able to deliver strong.”

Cllr Fergus McDonnell (Independent Ireland) said he has great expectations for Offaly because it now has three TDs. He said North Offaly has long been forgotten about adding that has to change.