Tom Conaghan announces his retirement from Donegal County Council

Independent county councilor Tom Conaghan has officially announced his retirement from political life after serving 10 years for the Municipal District of Donegal. 

The Donegal Town politician has served on the county council since being elected in 2014 after narrowly losing out five years previously at a time when he served as mayor of Donegal Town. 

In a statement released to Donegal Live this morning the Independent councilor said he believed the time was right to announce his retirement and that it was important to go out on a high following his Donegal Sporting Hall of Fame achievement last month.  

However, he emphasised that he would see out the remainder of his duties with the council until the upcoming election this summer. 

“Today I announce my retirement after a phenomenal 10 years with the Donegal County Council,” the statement read. 

“I’m retiring on a high note in both my sporting and political career after receiving the great honour of being inducted into the Donegal Sporting Hall of Fame. 

“Born and bred in Donegal Town, I am a lifelong townie who has always had Donegal Town at the center of my heart. I just feel now it’s time to step back and enjoy some time with my family and my grandchildren and I really look forward to that. 

“It’s really important for me to thank my family and all my supporters down through the years for their everlasting and unwavering support. 

“I’ve been thinking about this decision for some time now, and I just feel now is right moment to go out on a positive note, but I will still be active in my role until my term comes to an end before the next election this summer.” 

In private conversations before yesterday’s monthly meeting of Municipal District of Donegal, Conaghan, who is the current Cathaoirleach of the district, informed all the local councilors, as well as a number of his supporters of his intent to retire.