‘We won’t find the likes of you again’ – Rosslare says goodbye to woman who established new district in most challenging of times
Wexford PeopleWhen the Rosslare Municipal District (RMD) was established in 2019 it had no chamber, no office, no flag, and very few officials. What it did have, however, was a district manager with a love for the area and the determination and drive to ensure that it could compete with the heavy-hitters in Wexford, Gorey, Enniscorthy, and New Ross.
Now, after steering this newly-formed district through choppy waters and establishing it as a force to be reckoned with, the woman who in many ways could be considered the mother of the RMD has left the building to seek pastures new.
At a special ceremony in County Hall, Nóirín Cummins said goodbye to her Rosslare colleagues as she retired from Wexford County Council (WCC) after a career which spanned 47 years. While few of those present could hold back the tears, Nóirín herself did manage to eke out a few words as she reflected on a lifetime of work in the corridors of local government.
“I’ve worked in various sectors in the council but the last seven years as district manager in Rosslare have been the highlight of my career,” she said. “And thanks to the councillors and the small but wonderful team we have here, the RMD is no longer the forgotten district. Every day was different here, you could be holding a yoga class at the viewing point in Skeater Rock one day and hosting the Roses of Tralee in Johnstown Castle the next, but I’ve enjoyed working with you all on every project we have carried out during my time here and we have made memories that I will treasure for the rest of my life.”
Cathaoirleach of the RMD, Councillor Ger Carthy recalled meeting Nóirín during his father’s time in office and said she extended every courtesy to him when he followed Leo into politics.
“When I was first elected I recall going into the housing department and she couldn’t do enough for me,” he said. “And let’s not forget that when the RMD was formed it had no chamber, no office, no flag, very few officials, and Nóirín took on the challenge as its first district manager. Under her guidance the district evolved and she used the strong community ethos already in existence to bring the people of the RMD together.
"She’s left an indelible mark on the entire district and is a person of great character who is decent to the backbone. We’ve been very fortunate to have Nóirín Cummins. She’s irreplaceable. The RMD will move on but we won’t forget you.”
Further praise came from Cllr Aoife Rose O’Brien who said the departing district manager possessed “admirable” leadership skills and had excelled at the helm of what was undoubtedly the most “challenging district” to manage.
Cllr Jim Codd commended Ms Cummins’ “huge work ethic” and “can-do attitude” and noted that while some of those living in the RMD “might occasionally give out about the council they would always add, ‘but Nóirín is alright’.”
Struggling to get her words out, Cllr Lisa McDonald referenced just some of the many projects Nóirín had been instrumental in delivering for the district, among them the strategic plan which will influence the RMD for years to come and the twinning project with Dunkirk.
“You have forged forward and it’s a functioning district now,” she said. “It’s not going to be possible to replace you. I wish you health and happiness; don’t be a stranger.”
Fearful that she too would succumb to her emotions, director of services Lynda Lacey came prepared with a pre-written speech.
“I have been dreading this day for some time, and it is with a heavy heart that we say our goodbyes to Nóirín” she said. “Retirement is a happy time but there’s a huge sense of loss in saying goodbye to someone who has been so important to us. Things will not be the same without your steadiness and friendly manner; you are a warm, respectful, caring and a genuine person to work with, and have instilled your love for the district across the entire team, we will miss your cheery smile and fantastic sense of humour.”
District engineer Michael Brazzill said Nóirín had “taken a lot of pressure off” him during his time in the RMD and said that, no matter who stepped into the role, “we won’t find the likes of you again”.
Cllr Frank Staples was away at the time of the meeting but sent his regards and thanks to Nóirín for her hard work and assistance.