A homecoming of sorts as Sligo honours President Connolly with civic reception

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

It was a homecoming of sorts for President Catherine Connolly when she visited County Hall on Thursday evening as Sligo became the first county to bestow a civic honour upon the new President.

Councillors and TDs were in abundance while Senator Nessa Cosgrove and MEP Ciaran Mullooly were also present to welcome President Connolly. As the guests waited for the arrival of President Connolly they were treated to musical entertainment provided by Brídín accompanied by Kevin Donnellan while a slideshow of stunning images from across Sligo showcased the natural beauty of the county.

Sligo County Council’s Communication Officer Edel Mhic Amhlaidh welcomed the assembled audience before President Connolly arrived into the Council Chamber accompanied by Cathaoirleach Donal Gilroy. Upon her arrival President Connolly was a greeted by a standing ovation and a warm round of applause.

With her sisters Margaret and Theresa in attendance as well as her brother-in-law Cllr Declan Bree, President Connolly acknowledged it was a homecoming of sorts as she made her first official visit to Sligo since her inauguration last November.

"I have close personal connections to Sligo,” said President Connolly as she addressed the invited audience. “I have always looked on Sligo as a second home. Anywhere you have family you look on it as a second home but this has always been very, very special.”

Acknowledging that her early visits to the county were taken up by competing in triathlons she acknowledged, “I saw very little of Sligo, it took me many years to realise what a beautiful town and county it was and it is.”

Continuing her address President Connolly spoke of the challenges facing Ireland and all countries in relation to the issue of climate challenge. Stressing the importance of local government she insisted, “The challenges that we face, the solutions to those challenges, have to delivered locally.”

She also alluded to the “Powerful momentum behind the Western Rail Corridor that got the thumbs up for the preliminary work up to Claremorris. All of this work highlights what is possible and gives us all hope.”

President Connolly said that throughout her election campaign she made a commitment to return to places she visited upon her election and prior to her arrival in County Hall she visited the Family Resource Centre which she said was “A wonderful experience.”

She referenced their need for a new building but before delving too deep on the topic said, “I won’t say anymore in case I stray into the area of politics.”

Prior to concluding her address, President Connolly said, “I look forward to serving as your President with dignity, determination and courage as we face our shared challenges together.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.