Work, holidays and family time: How Galway councillors are spending their August break
When August arrives, the wheels of local democracy slow down for a few weeks as politicians across the country take their traditional summer break.
After Galway City and County Councils held their final plenary meetings of the season, elected members dispersed for a mix of family holidays, constituency work and, for some, more work.
The Irish Independent asked Galway’s councillors how they will spend their weeks away from the chamber:
For many councillors, the break from formal council meetings does not mean a break from public life.
City Councillor Níall McNelis said he will be working “flat out” during the busy tourist season. Between managing the Claddagh and Celtic Jewellery Shop at the end of Quay Street and travelling to festivals around the country, he will still be available to help constituents.
Loughrea councillor Jimmy McClearn said he hopes to get away for a couple of nights on a staycation in Clifden and Killarney, but local politics rarely comes to a complete stop despite his best efforts.
His Loughrea colleague, councillor Geraldine Donohue, said the break from meetings provides an opportunity to tackle administrative tasks, like tidying up the email inbox “which keeps the mind focused,” but she will also take some time for a “long overdue catch-up with family and friends”.
County Cathaoirleach Andrew Reddington said being a councillor is almost a full-time job and rarely allows for extended time off.
“I will be all over my native county, Galway, this summer, and I look forward to meeting all the community groups. If I take any break, it will be with my family,” he said.
While Ballinasloe Councillor Alan Harney said he will be “back on the road” catching up on constituency work after an injury caused delays in recent weeks.
While some are staying close to home, others have travelled further afield.
City Councillor Alan Curran responded from a “very sunny and very hot Spain”, where he is holidaying with his wife and three children in Cala de Mijas.
During this break, the family stays off of phones, though every once in a while, Cllr Curran checks in on the ongoing council work. In the downtime the family plays games, he said.
City Councillor Mike Cubbard is preparing for a trip to Chicago and Milwaukee with Galway Bohemians FC young athletes. Separate from the Galway delegation travelling to Wisconsin’s twin cities, he will travel as part of his long-standing role as a volunteer coach.
As a coach for 25 years, he described the opportunity as “incredibly rewarding”.
“The 22 boys travelling with us will visit universities to hear of potential study opportunities there, experience a different culture, meet new people, play against American opposition and create friendships and memories that will stay with them for life.”
...Others prefer holidaying in Galway
Others are opting for holidays much closer to home seeking refuge in the landscape of their homeplace rather than abroad.
“Some think we are mad living and holidaying in Co Galway, but it’s hard to leave it,” Tuam councillor Donagh Killilea said. This year will be another mark in the calendar as Cllr Killilea and his family holiday in Ballyconeely for the 48th year.
Galway City Mayor Helen Ogbu plans to take a number of short staycations around Ireland while also travelling to Milwaukee as part of the official Galway delegation. She said spending time with family and friends remains a priority.
Island life is a happy escape for Cllr Seoighthe and her family. © Eibhlín Seoighthe
The same sentiment is shared by City Councillor Eibhlín Seoighthe who will whisk her and her family off to one of Galway’s islands for some much-needed reconnection.
“I am too much of a home bird for an overseas adventure and with so much to see right on our own doorstep I am planning on keeping the rest of the break as local as possible and hope to visit Inishbofin later on in the month,” she said.
Cllr Seoighthe plans to spend time with her pup and read the books that have been sitting on her table collecting dust, she said. © Eibhlín Seoighthe
“It is nice to escape the hustle and bustle of the city in favour of bird song and quiet walks.”
Away from council business, Seoighthe plans to catch up on reading, use her “trusty” 1970s Polaroid camera and continue work on photography commissions.
It’s not everyone who is lucky enough to bask in the break.
Athenry-Oranmore Councillor James Charity left County Hall last week for another chamber as he headed back to Court as a barrister.
“The last-minute rush is on,” Cllr Charity said. “August is a chance to catch up with paperwork, and with a two-year-old, we won’t be travelling too far unfortunately.”
Tuam Councillor Ollie Turner will spend much of his summer behind a microphone covering club championship action for Galway Bay FM.
“I really enjoy the thrill of a live club championship game between local rivals. A lot of these games stoke up real parish pride and create great excitement and business in the towns around Galway,” he said.
Cllr Ollie Turner plans for the summer. © Ollie Turner
The voice behind GAA coverage for GalwayBayFM. © Ollie Turner
“Better still are the post-match get-togethers, as people are eager to hear your view on how a particular match went.”
He also expects to spend time at the Rose of Tralee Festival, which he described as a “working holiday”.