Cllr Caillian Ellis bids an emotional goodbye

Cllr Caillian Ellis was unable to hold back the tears when he thanked councillors and county council staff for their help and friendship during the last 25 years as a councillor.
A number of councillors spoke at what was the last meeting to be held in Ballinamore ahead of the local election.
Cllr Enda McGloin wished Cllr Ellis “good times ahead and I want to thank him for his public service for over 25 years. I'm sure when he drives the roads in the bus, he will see a lot of his legacy works that he asked Leitrim County Council to do and were done.
“He has a proud record in public service and he can certainly be proud of what he's done as a member of this local authority. I wish him health and fortune over the next few years and I want to say as a colleague, you were most personable and a great person to work with and I mean that from the bottom of my heart.”
Cllr Brendan Barry said he wished Cllr Ellis “the very best of happiness and good times for your retirement. It's been a pleasure working with you; we all put on the jersey and try to get the best we can for the area. I also want to thank all the staff for all the help and work over the years.”
Cllr Ita Reynolds-Flynn said, “When I was first on the council, he was very helpful to me and gave me good advice and told me not to take things too seriously and to just keep going. I wish you and Theresa the best and thank you sincerely for all your help; it was always appreciated.”
Sinéad Flynn (Leitrim County Council) said that on behalf of the staff, “we would like to commend you on your public service record; you've had a long stint in the chair in Ballinamore and congratulations on all you've achieved in that time and thanks for your support and work with the staff.
“It's always been a pleasure to deal with you. The very best of luck and thanks for everything,” she said.
Cllr Paddy O'Rourke said that not only was Caillian a councillor, “we are party colleagues so therefore we were fishing out of the same pool.
“We survived five elections together and sometimes, we had to trade off to get the best outcome at a meeting.
“Caillian was always broadminded and open to whatever was best for the area that he served. The fact that he was returned comfortably at each election was testament to that. I've no doubt he will still be a busy man after his time with the council.”
In response, Cllr Ellis wished all his colleagues the very best of luck in June “and I can't see any of you not being returned; you all put in a huge effort and it's been a great comfort to work with you the last five years.
“There was always a bit of banter and enjoyment and that's what it's about; you get far much more done when people pull together and it has been a great five years and I enjoyed every minute of it. I want to thank the staff and the media too,” he said.