Labour’s Ann Higgins elected Mayor of Sligo Borough Municipal District

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

The position of Mayor of the Sligo Borough Municipal District changed hands today with Cllr Ann HIggins succeeding the outgoing Mayor, Cllr Gino O’Boyle at the Municipal District’s AGM held at City Hall.

Prior to a successor being proposed, outgoing Mayor, Cllr Gino O’Boyle addressed the meeting to reflect on his 12 months in the role which he described as, “One of the greatest honours of my life.”

One of the biggest honours of my life was welcoming President Connolly to City Hall

Referring to some memorable events as mayor, Cllr O’Boyle referenced hosting the Special Olympics athletes and Sligo Rovers Down Syndrome team as well as events for the North West Hospice and the occasion when he hosted the President of Ireland at City Hall for a mayoral reception.

Reflecting on that evening in January he said, “One of the biggest honours of my life was welcoming President Connolly to City Hall.”

Mayor O’Boyle paid tribute to his deputy, Cllr Arthur Gibbons and their fellow councillors in the Municipal District saying, “They were extremely helpful to me all year.”

Prior to concluding he remarked, “We should never let disagreement turn into divisiveness,” adding, “That’s the Sligo I believe in.”

Gino served with integrity, dignity and genuine compassion.”

Cllr Arthur Gibbons, who served as Deputy Mayor for the past 12 months paid tribute to Cllr O’Boyle for the manner in which he carried out his duties as mayor saying, “Sincere thanks to you for your commitment and leadership. Gino served with integrity, dignity and genuine compassion.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Cllr Declan Bree who noted, “You represented our community with distinction.”

Cllr Bree also thanked Mayor O’Boyle for the manner in which he oversaw matters at the Municipal District meetings and reserved a special mention for his wife and family.

“I wish to congratulate you on the manner in which you have carried out your duties as Mayor over the period of the past 12 months.

“You have represented our community with distinction, building upon the exemplary work of your previous term as Mayor.

“The reception you hosted here in City Hall earlier this year, for Uachtarán na hÉireann, Catherine Connolly, certainly stands out as one of the most memorable highlights of your year in office.”

Cllr Ann Higgins also praised the work carried out by Cllr O’Boyle during his year as mayor and highlighted his speech when he welcomed President Catherine Connolly to City Hall saying, “One of my abiding memories was your phenomenal speech. It was one of the most passionate and empathetic speeches I have heard.”

Reflecting on that night in January Cllr Higgins said, “Despite our very obvious differences in stature, we both share a common desire to honour the legacies of our fathers who were very proud and passionate advocates for the people of Sligo. I was thinking of your father that evening and I saw a butterfly and I have no doubt that your father was there, proudly saying that’s my boy.”

I got to know you as more than a councillor and a part time wrestler. You are a great community representative and here for all the right reasons

Cllr Fergal Nealon also paid tribute to the outgoing mayor saying, “I got to know you as more than a councillor and a part time wrestler! You are a great community representative and here for all the right reasons.”

Cllr Seamus Kilgannon, who was recently co-opted on to the Council also paid tribute saying, “I joined your team very late on. I know how much effort you put into the job. I wish you continued success in your new role as a public representative, you did an excellent job.”

On behalf of Sligo County Council executive, Director of Services Brian Flynn said, “You served us with pride, best of luck in the future.”

The next stage of the meeting was the election of a new mayor with Cllr Arthur Gibbons proposing Cllr Ann Higgins.

Newly elected Mayor of the Sligo Municipal District, Cllr Ann Higgins

Addressing the meeting Cllr Gibbons said, “It gives me great pleasure to formally propose Cllr Ann Higgins. She consistently approaches her work with fairness and respect, she has the respect of this Council and the wider community.”

Cllr Gibbons noted that Cllr O’Grady is the seventh person from Tracey Avenue to hold the distinction of being Mayor, in its various guises over the years.

Seventeen months ago, we welcomed Cllr Higgins to these chambers, and it has been nothing short of inspiring to witness her remarkable journey.

The proposal was seconded by Cllr Bree who referenced Mayor Higgins’ quick adaption to the political world when he said, “It gives me great pleasure to second the nomination that Cllr Ann Higgins be elected Mayor.

“Seventeen months ago, we welcomed Cllr Higgins to these chambers, and it has been nothing short of inspiring to witness her remarkable journey.

Describing how she has made the transition to politics, Cllr Bree remarked, “From day one, she did not just occupy a seat, indeed her active participation in all debates and council activities has brought fresh energy to our discussions.

Cllr Bree also made reference to Mayor Higgins’ parents, with her father Tommy, having previously served as Mayor.

“Tommy Higgins served as Mayor of Sligo on three separate occasions and was widely regarded as an exceptional holder of the office. I am entirely confident that Ann will also prove to be an extremely capable Mayor.

“Ann, I have no doubt that he and your late mother would be extremely proud to see you donning the chain of office today.”

Cllr Fergal Nealon also extended his congratulations to Mayor Higgins but expressed reservations as there was no other candidate proposed for the position.

“I feel there is a more democratic way of doing this. Notwithstanding that I am delighted for you.”

Paying tribute to the impact she has had since being co-opted onto the Council in February of last year he said, “By the second meeting it was like you were here all your life.”

Cllr Nealon praised the intelligence and enthusiasm that she has displayed, adding, “I know you will carry the chain with great pride. I wish you and your family the best.”

Cllr Seamus Kilgannon also referenced the late Tommy Higgins when congratulating Mayor Higgins saying, “When I first came to Sligo, Ann’s father was a member of the RTC. Ann came to work in the RTC and I worked alongside her for 22 years. Sligo is now a University town providing opportunities to young people. Ann deserves a lot of credit.”

Wishing his successor well Cllr Gino O’Boyle said, “You have been a great colleague. Your heart is in the right place, you are a people person.”

Addressing her fellow Councillors, members of the executive as well as family and friends in the public gallery, Mayor Higgins spoke about what her year as mayor, with a theme of ‘conversations and connections’, may involve.

I also have a burning ambition to put the people back into the peoples hall. This hall and indeed this building holds so many great memories for so many people of Sligo

Mayor of Sligo Borough Municpal District Ann Higgins

“There are a number of initiatives that I intend to pursue – first one is Monday with the Mayor, where I will be hosting various community and voluntary groups across the Municipal District to come for a cup of tea and a chat in the Mayor’s parlour.

“I also have a burning ambition to put the people back into the peoples hall. This hall and indeed this building holds so many great memories for so many people of Sligo, many of us threaded the stage at many fesinna literally feet away.

“My Monday with the Mayor initiative will also bring more people back through the doors of this historic building, while the other projects will help to deepen our connections to our proud past for all our communities, both established and new, for those just visiting and those just now putting down roots.”

“Everyone is this chamber is so proud of our Sligo connections and heritage, we understand how fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful place. We are also fortunate to witness some exciting developments which will undoubtedly deliver a much improved Sligo for all.”

Mayor Higgins was congratulated by Sligo County Council Director of Services Brian Flynn who said, “Congratulations. It will be a busy year and we are here to support you.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.