The outgoing Mayor of Donegal, Councillor Terence Slowey, said he had ‘lot of great memories’ from his year in the highest office this county has.
The Ardara-based Councillor today passes the Mayoral chain to Councillor Gerry McMonagle.
Fine Gael Councillor Slowey said he enjoyed his time as the First Citizen of Donegal.
“There were a lot of great memories and a lot of interaction all over the county,” he reflected.
“I remember, very early on, I was over in Carrigans with Councillor Paul Canning for the World Record attempt of Massey Fergusons and it was a lovely day. It was an unsuccessful attempt, but I never saw as many tractors. From that, there was an early-morning meeting in Carndonagh where we met the Minister and we were up there at ten past seven.
“There was the Rowing Championships in Rossnowlagh and a tour of a cruise ship in Killybegs. I visited Fanad Lighthouse another day.”
Councillor Slowey paid thanks to his fellow Councillors: “I want to thank the 37 members of Donegal County Council for their help to me over the last year – first of all, for expediting all the business of this Council, but also the help that I got from all over Donegal, regardless of where I went or what I done. The members were very supportive.”
Councillor Slowey paid tribute to the Donegal County Council CEO Seamus Neely, Director of Services Joe Peoples and the Directors of Donegal County Council.
Councillor Slowey acknowledged the work of Ann Marie Crawford, who took care of the Mayor’s diary and to Anne Marie Conlan, the Council’s Communications Officer.
He added: “Some of the things we looked at over the year were employment in Donegal and we did a lot of enterprise promotion. There was also the workload there between Donegal and the Derry and Strabane Council. In relation to tourism, we have a small group of key people who do a lot – and they do a phenomenal job.
“I got involved in care of the elderly this year and it was great to get that insight.”
The Fianna Fail Chief Whip, Councillor Ciaran Brogan said that the outgoing Mayor ‘wore the council badge with great pride’, while tributes were also paid by Councillor Barry O’Neill (Fine Gael), Councillor Marie Therese Gallagher (Sinn Féin), Councillor Martin Farren (Labour) and Councillor Frank McBrearty (Independent).
Donegal County Council CEO Seamus Neely said Councillor Neely had been ‘very diligent and very resourceful’ in his term.
He said: “All of his qualities and effort ensured that he can look back on a very busy year, but a year that was a successful one.”
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