'Superb First Citizen': Galway tributes as Collins' term ends
Outgoing Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Cllr David Collins (FG), was described as a “superb First Citizen” by Chief Executive Liam Conneally as he chaired his last meeting in the role.
In his address, Cllr Collins reflected on a year which had brought “investment, innovation and partnership”.
He added that housing remains one of the council's key priorities, particularly the need to help families and older people access secure housing.
Cllr Collins also pointed to a record council budget, investment in roads and environmental initiatives, and ongoing efforts to strengthen towns and villages across Galway.
And he told elected representatives that community remains at “the heart of everything we do”.
He described the “extraordinary dedication” of volunteers and community groups whose impact is felt throughout the county and spoke of the importance of enhancing quality of life, inclusion, community safety, accessibility and age-friendly development.
His ambition is for Galway to be a place where “people of all ages can live, work and thrive”, while continuing to promote the county's “rich culture and heritage”.
Looking back, Cllr Collins described the Cathaoirleach's Charity Ball as “a huge highlight” for him as it raised more than €22,000 for the National Breast Cancer Research Institute and Epilepsy Ireland.
He thanked the management team and staff of Galway County Council and paid tribute to outgoing Leas- Cathaoirleach Cllr Mary Hoade.
“Your professionalism, guidance and commitment have been invaluable and made my role much easier,” he said.
“And to Cllr Mary Hoade, you have been amazing, thank you.”
Cllr Collins said it had been a “great honour and privilege” to serve as Cathaoirleach. He acknowledged the challenges facing the county but expressed confidence that the opportunity is there to build “a stronger and more prosperous Galway”.
Chief Executive Liam Conneally described him as “a superb First Citizen” and also praised Cllr Hoade.
“We depend on the Cathaoirleach and the Leas-Cathaoirleach to represent us across the county and internationally and you were both superb,” he said.
Cllr Jimmy McClearn (FG) described Cllr Collins as “a great choice”.
“I want to congratulate you on a wonderful year,” he said. “You truly represented us and this county at home and away. We all have our differences but everyone in here wants the best for County Galway.”
Cllr Hoade said he was “a wonderful ambassador, locally, nationally and internationally” and described him as “impartial, fair and supportive to the elected members”.
These sentiments were echoed around the chamber with cross-party support. Independent Cllr Tom Welby said that he was “very fair and let everyone express their opinion”.
“You did a great job,” he said. “We don't all see eye to eye and we have to show the community we are trying our best for them. We are all only passing through here.”
Sinn Féin Cllr Dermot Connolly praised his “trojan work across the county”. “I know you battled for extra funding and you left no stone unturned,” he said.
Fianna Fáil Cllr Michael Connolly thanked him for “doing a fine job” and described him as “a fair Chairperson who carried out your duties in an impeccable manner”.
Independent Ireland Cllr Noel Thomas said he did “an excellent job” and “always looked after us as best you could”.
“It's a mammoth task being the Cathaoirleach of such a large county with a huge area to cover. You did an excellent job of representing the county with good help from Cllr Hoade. You were a good team and well done. Hopefully the new Chairperson will do the job as well as you.”
In his closing comments, Cllr Collins thanked his family and friends for their encouragement, support and understanding.
He leaves the role with “fond memories and a deep appreciation” as he thanked the “people of Galway” and remarked that it is “such a special place”.