County welcomes new councillor

The seat of the late and sorely missed Cllr Joe Carroll has been filled at Cork County Council.

Durning Monday’s full meeting, elected members welcomed Kilmichael native Alan Dromey to the chamber as he became the latest councillor to be co-opted to Cork County Council.

Cllr Dromey, who now lives in Shannonvale close to Clonakilty, will represent Fianna Fáil in the West Cork Municipal District where Cllr Joe Carroll served from 2004 until his passing in April of this year.

In his first address to the chamber, Cllr Dromey began by paying tribute to the late Joe Carroll.

“He was an absolute colossus in West Cork, a man that was very much loved and revered, and my thoughts are very much with his family at this difficult time,” said Cllr Dromey.

He went on to outline his intent to be a strong and accessible voice for the people of West Cork.

“Whether you're living in a town, a village, or a rural or coastal community, they deserve to be heard and represented. I will not have every answer, but I will always listen, I'll always return a call, and I'll follow up on the issue and do everything in my ability to help,” Mr Droney told the chamber.

He added: “Today is a huge honour. I will work hard to repay the trust placed in me, and I look forward to working with all of you for the betterment of Cork county.”

Welcoming Cllr Domey, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Bernard Moynihan said he would be “following in huge footsteps”.

“Joe was there when I came in here first; he was the first man to explain to me that all seats are the same size inside here, and I stayed with that lesson. So, Joe and we think of him today, and we wish you the very, very best of luck,” said the mayor.