'Impossible to replace' Eamonn Brophy bids farewell to the council 

CALM, fair, knowledgeable and impossible to replace.

A modest Eamonn Brophy sat uncomfortably as the richly-deserved plaudits kept on coming. Hearing such praise was never Eamonn's style, but on his final day at Carlow County Council, no-one was letting him out the door without hearing them.

The senior executive officer retired last Friday following 39 years in the local authority. Warm tributes were paid to Eamonn, many referring to his incredible knowledge of local government, his vast experience and his calm, open-minded and fair approach to all aspects of council life.

Chief executive Coilín O’Reilly described Eamonn’s retirement as “a massive loss” to the council both in terms of his knowledge but also his vast experience in local government.

“When all about are losing heads, Eamonn is always calm and assured … without doubt, you are the best at what you do in the country,” he praised.

New cathaoirleach cllr Fergal Browne paid tribute to Eamonn’s commitment, adding that it would be “very strange to look to my left and not see Eamonn”.

Cllr John Cassin said the council was losing someone with an “encyclopaedic knowledge of local government”, while cllr Willie Quinn reflected by Eamonn’s “soft spot” for Rathanna as his late father Ted had taught there.

Cllr Adreinne Wallace also spoke of Eamonn’s calmness and fairness. “It was an absolute pleasure to work with you and I never thought I’d ever hear myself say that about a council executive,” she laughed.

Cllr Brian O’Donoghue spoke of Eamonn’s difficult start to the year with the loss of both his parents, Ted and Bernie, just five weeks apart, but then the joy of his daughter's wedding and winning the Credit Union Lotto. He described Eamonn as “an absolute gentleman and a massive, massive loss to this local authority”.

Cllr Murphy said Eamonn’s expertise was “second to none”, while cllr Doran remarked that he was a man “who always told it as it was. To me, you will always be the final arbitrator”. 

Cllr Ken Murnane described Eamonn as “ the ultimate professional”, while cllr Andrea Dalton spoke of his “unwavering support and kindness”. Cllr John Pender spoke, too, of Eamonn’s “in-depth knowledge”, while cllr Fintan Phelan, like other speakers, referenced Eamonn’s excellent handling of the recent local elections as returning officer. Cllr Will Paton described Eamonn as “a rock of common sense”, adding it was “a privilege to have worked with you”.

Tributes were also paid to Eamonn from cllrs Andy Gladney, Jim Deane and Paul Doogue. Last Friday was a big day, too, for Carlow County Council’s newest members – Ben Ward (FG), Paul Doogue (FG), Daniel Pender (FF) and Jim Deane (SF), who took their place among the 18-seat council. All made their maiden speech in the chamber, reflecting on the huge honour it was to represent their local communities. All thanked their families, their political parties and the electorate in their respective local electoral areas for putting their trust in them. “It’s brilliant to see young, new faces, which is hugely representative of people at large,” enthused cllr Ward.

Cllr Daniel Pender stated that he wished to deliver on the priorities he had outlined to people during the campaign and pledge to “work for the entire district and improve the lives of everyone across the county".

Cllr Doogue vowed to “always put Carlow right to the top”. Cllr Jim Deane spoke of Eamonn Brophy’s “diligence and care” during the count in the Tullow LEA, and referring to candidate Catherine Callaghan, who lost out by a single vote, cllr Deane described her as “an honourable lady” and extended his best wishes to her.