Longford Storm Éowyn response ‘would restore your faith in humanity’

There was high praise for outgoing local authority Cathaoirleach, Cllr Mark Casey who was lauded by his colleagues for 'raising the bar' as chairman.

The Independent councillor, who stepped aside after last Friday's local authority AGM, said it was a 'huge honour' to be chair for a second time during a very busy year.

"We got a lot done and we have worked together as a good council, there were very few hand grenades thrown in throughout the meetings and everyone seemed to get on bar the one I might throw in myself.

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"We have a great executive and Paddy [Mahon] leading the executive along with the staff and it makes our jobs so much easier."

Cllr Casey thanked meetings administrator Lorraine McKee for her patience, chief executive Paddy Mahon and his secretary Gerard Dinnegan and he stated they would not be able to do their job without their help and collaboration.

Cllr Casey wished new Cathoirleach Garry Murtagh the very best in his new role as his replacement.

"I'm sure he'll be an absolute fabulous chairperson and I wish his family well, it's a great honour for your parents, for yourself and your wife and family."

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After the meeting, Cllr Casey told the Leader the highlight of the year for him was also a lowlight for him and county Longford.
"It was after Storm Éowyn and how the council came together.

"I chaired the action committee, liaised between the ESB, Irish Water, the Civil Defence and all of the services and how everyone came together and worked so well together to get us through that very difficult patch, it would restore your faith in humanity.

"There were plans in place and they were executed very well by the council, there was no stone left unturned.

"I know there was a fault with Irish Water not having generators on site and I hope that will be rectified since but what was in our control was done very well," he added.