Tributes paid to outgoing Lord Mayor

Tributes have been paid to outgoing Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Fergal Dennehy, following the end of his term in office.

Cllr Dennehy said serving as Lord Mayor was “without doubt the greatest privilege of my life”.

He said the opportunity to meet with thousands of Cork people over the year was the highlight of the role, in particular the opportunity to visit schools across the city and speak to students.

“Cork is defined by its people - their decency, their creativity, their resilience, their sense of humour, and most importantly their community spirit,” he said.

Cllr Dennehy said he was indebted to the members of the council executive for their assistance and hard work throughout the year.

He also thanked the outgoing Lady Mayoress Karen Brennan, who he said made every engagement at which she accompanied him “all the more meaningful”.

Tributes were also paid by his council colleagues, who praised his work ethic, his ability in the role, and his impartiality as chair of council meetings.

Fine Gael Cllr Gary O’Brien said Cllr Dennehy had thrown himself into the role of Lord Mayor with “enthusiasm, energy, and pride”, and that he clearly understood the significance of the role to Cork city.

He praised Cllr Dennehy’s engagement with people from all walks of life across the city, and “recognising the invaluable contribution made every day by community groups, volunteers, and cultural organisations”.

Sinn Féin’s Cllr Joe Lynch also praised Cllr Dennehy’s work over the past year.

“You’ve earned not only the plaudits of your fellow councillors, but also of the people of Cork as a whole.

“You gave the role your all. You were scrupulously fair as the chair, and you treated all members of this council with an even hand,” he said.

Independent Ireland Cllr Noel O’Flynn said Cllr Dennehy had presided over the council chamber with “dignity, professionalism, and respect”.

“Regardless of the issue being debated, or the difference of opinion that naturally arises in a local government, you always ensured that members were treated fairly, and that the business of the council was conducted in a proper and orderly manner,” he said.

Chief Executive of Cork City Council Valerie O’Sullivan said she had been struck by the “calm demeanour” of the Lord Mayor, as well as his “basic decency”.

“The genuine honour and humility you brought to the role never left you throughout the year,” she said, “and you never complained, another trait which added to our impression of you”.

Tributes were also paid to outgoing Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr Margaret McDonnell.

Green Party Cllr Oliver Moran said Cllr O’Donnell brought “her own character” to the role, and every event she attended was done with “genuine authenticity”.

Cllr McDonnell said it had been an honour to deputise for the Lord Mayor over the year, and that the “learning experience was one that I will cherish for the rest of my life”.

This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.