Charlie Murphy takes over as cathaoirleach of Tullow MD

COUNCILLOR Charlie Murphy was elected cathaoirleach of Tullow Municipal District at its most recent meeting. Cllr John Pender, the outgoing chair, was elected as vice-chair.

In his final remarks as outgoing chair, cllr Pender thanked councillors and said he had really enjoyed the year. He tried to move swiftly on to the appointment of a new chair but was stopped in his tracks by cllr Will Paton, who extended his thanks to cllr Pender for his year of service.

Cllr Paton said his highlight from the past year was the cathaoirleach awards and he described cllr Pender’s choice of awardees as “outstanding”.

“It was a really good night. It was actually packed ‒ they were swinging out of the rafters there were that many people at it,” cllr Paton said.

He also thanked cllr Pender’s wife Mary for saving the night by returning home to pick up a forgotten chain. “Doesn’t every good man need a better woman,” quipped cllr Patton.

“I wouldn’t be able to do this job only for her and her patience,” agreed cllr Pender.

Cllr Ben Ward proposed cllr Charlie Murphy as the next cathaoirleach, which was seconded by cllr Brian O’Donoghue.

They reversed roles to nominate and second cllr Pender as vice-chair.

Cllr Murphy expressed his gratitude on his election: “Thanks very much for putting the confidence in me and I’ll do my best during the year to be fair to everyone,” he said.