‘Long overdue’ coronation for only female councillor in Gorey district as 12-year wait comes to an end

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

For 12 years Councillor Mary Farrell has served alongside a number of men from a variety of political parties. During that time, as the only female councillor in first the Gorey district, and now the Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District (GKMD), she has often fought a lonely battle, working to ensure her voice remained heard in a male-dominated environment.

Being an independent councillor only made it that little bit more difficult. However, having been elected on three successive occasions, she has repeatedly proved her worth as a public representative and now, finally, 12 years in, she has been bestowed with the highest honour attainable for a county councillor.

On Monday afternoon the Kilmuckridge native was elected as cathaoirleach of the GKMD for the upcoming year, assuming the role from outgoing chair, Cllr Donal Kenny.

Joined by her family and friends, Cllr Farrell was nominated for the position by Cllr Oliver Walsh, a nomination which was seconded by Cllr Pip Breen.

And having accepted the chains of office from Cllr Kenny, the new cathaoirleach said she was “deeply honoured” and “beyond grateful” to be the chair of the district.

“During my time as a councillor I’ve always tried to represent the people with dignity and commitment and I will continue to do so as chair.,” she said. “In addition, I will work with you all, regardless of your political affiliation, because, utlimately, we are all here for a common goal - to improve the lives of our constituents.

Paying tribute to those who have enabled her to serve in office since 2014, Cllr Farrell said she would not be in this position were it not for the support of her family.

“Public service requires a lot of time away and I would not have been able to do any of this without them. If I’m ever struggling with anything they always set me straight and they are a continual source of strength for me.”

Hoping that her election as cathaoirleach will encourage other women in Co Wexford to enter into politics, Cllr Farrell said there were a number of projects she hoped to see come to fruition in the next year with one in particular at the top of her to-do list.

“The Kilmuckridge Playground has to happen in the next year,” she said, referencing a project which has repeatedly stalled over the past ten years. “I would also like to see the community garden in Oulart completed as well as the viewing stand in Morriscastle, and while there will be a lot done in Gorey, we will be getting projects over the line in Kilmuckridge too.”

Cathaoirleach Marry Farrell with her family at The Gorey Municipal District AGM on Monday. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench

While this was Cllr Farrell’s day, and the culmination of 12 years of hard work, there were, as always, opportunities to fire shots at members of opposing parties and, in some cases, members of the same party.

“I’m slightly disappointed that Cllr Farrell didn’t avail of the offer from the independents in the room, and surprised who the nominations came from,” noted Wexford Independent Alliance (WIA) Cllr Paddy Kavanagh.

“We (the independents) had considered nominating a candidate to go up against you but, in the interests of harmony, we decided not to. However, in saying that, you deserve this, it’s long overdue, you were left out in the cold for a long time.”

After further congratulations from Cllrs Kenny, Donohue, Boland, and McDonald, Cllr Joe Sullivan took to the stage. And, with an eye on what now appears to be his inevitable departure from Fianna Fáil later this week, he apologised to Cllr Farrell for his actions over the past 12 years.

“You started as a councillor on the same day as me and at times, as an independent, you were very isolated, you were so far out in the cold you almost had frostbite. But you held tough.

“I have to apologise for not voting alongside you on a number of issues over the years. unfortunately I was prompted by the man on my left on those occasions,” he said, referencing fellow Fianna Fáil councillor Pip Breen.

Offering a glimpse into how she intends to chair meetings over the next year, Cllr Farrell was quick to nip any backbiting in the bud.

“It wasn’t always easy being in here but we need to move on now, I’m not going to dwell on what happened in the past and I don’t want to associate blame to anyone here,” she said.

Serving as Cllr Farrell’s vice-chair for the forthcoming year will be Fine Gael councillor Darragh McDonald who was nominated and seconded by Cllrs Donohue and Kenny respectively.

As outgoing chair, Cllr Kenny accepted the well-wishes and praise of his colleagues as he reflected on a year which had seen a number of high-profile projects get underway in the district.

“We launched two big housing schemes in recent months, and the €2.5m works to renovate Esmonde Street have finally started, they are badly needed,” he said. “In addition, we have the €9m redevelopment of the Market House, and held the inaugural community recognition night where we honoured over 50 groups and provided grants of over €123,000.”