Team Enniscorthy avoids political warfare as new chair vows to work for the people of the district
Wexford PeopleA journey which began with the retirement of a colleague has taken perhaps its most significant step to date at the annual general meeting (AGM) of the Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD).
There, just two years on from his election, Councillor Pat Kehoe was named cathaoirleach of the EMD following a proposal from Fine Gael colleague Trish Byrne.
“Pat is a hard-working, committed representative for his community who works well with everyone regardless of their political background,” she said. “He’s always approachable, practical, and focused on getting the job done.”
That proposal was seconded by Cllr Aidan Browne and, with no other candidates, Cllr Kehoe was named chair unopposed.
Noting that he only entered politics following the retirement of Kathleen Codd-Nolan in 2023, Cllr Kehoe said he would not be sat in the top seat were it not for “the boss”, his wife Elaine, whose support has been “unwavering”.
And having made his first foray into the political sphere at the age of 50, Cllr Kehoe pondered whether he was in the midst of a rather time-consuming midlife crisis.
“It’s a huge honour to represent the district, it was never on my radar. I don’t know if this is a midlife crisis, only time will tell. I will work tremendously hard over the next 12 months to try and advance all the projects we’ve started during my term; housing and infrastructure are massive issues and roads in rural areas are a continuing concern.”
New Enniscorthy Municipal District chairman, Cllr. Pat Kehoe. Photo. John Walsh Photography
Having arrived in the district chamber early, Cllr Kehoe had taken time to soak up some of Enniscorthy’s history, to pay homage to those who came before.
“When I came in today I spent some time looking at the names who have preceded me in this position, there are 173 names on that board dating back to 1855, but the Kehoe name isn’t up there,” he said. “Hopefully in another 170 years time there’ll be more Kehoes on there.”
With some big projects in the planning stage, including the redevelopment of the town centre and the ongoing, never-ending flood defence scheme, Cllr Kehoe said he would work alongside his colleagues for the betterment of the EMD.
“We’re Team Enniscorthy, we don’t bring politics in here, we work for the people of our district.”
Although the name Kehoe will now make its first appearance in the annals of Enniscorthy leaders, there are others which feature regularly in the history books.
Having served as cathaoirleach for the third time, Cllr Barbara Anne Murphy vacated the chains of office with a flourish and was praised by her colleagues for another successful year.
With female participation in politics a continual issue across all parties, Cllr Byrne said that public representatives like Cllr Murphy offered an example for all women.
“You are a fantastic role model for women in politics and someone we all look up to,” she said.
The vice-chair for the next 12 months will be Cllr John O’Rourke.