This article is from page 16 of the 2012-04-17 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
THE tricolour flew at half-mast at the offices of Clare County Council yesterday as tributes were paid to former councillor Sean Hillery who passed away last month. Sean, who was originally from Miltown Malbay, played a significant role in the development of Shannon in recent decades and was remembered fondly by councillors from every corner of the house.
Councillors voted unanimously to adjourn yesterday’s proceedings, with the April monthly meeting of Clare County Council now set to take place later today, April 16.
Sean Hillery was a man of many firsts. He was the first man to establish a pharmacy in Shannon, the first head of the County Development Board in Clare and the first Clare president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland. Hillery’s Pharmacy in Shannon has been a family business for many years, first through Sean and his late wife Paula, and in recent times through their sons Seadn and Feidhlim.
Sean was the first cousin of the late President Patrick Hillery, and also a relation of current Clare County Councillor, Michael Hillery (FF).
Speaking at yesterday’s adjourned meeting, Clare County Manager, Tom Coughlan, described Mr Hillery as a leader and “a gentlemen in every sense of the word”.
“The respect that he commanded was very clear, especially when the County Development Board was being established. As the first chair of the County Development Board, he was able to command that respect and leadership that showed he was a leader,” he said.
Sean is remembered by his sons Barry, Seadn and Feidhlim, his daughter Majella and his family and many friends.