This article is from page 16 of the 2013-06-25 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
THE COURTHOUSE in Kilrush was packed to capacity on Thursday to watch history in progress as the last ever mayor was elected to the office. Following a nomination by out going mayor Cllr Mairead O’Brien and seconded by his former school teacher Cllr Tom Predeville (FF) Cllr Paul Moroney (Ind) took the chair in the building where the first ever Kilursh Town Council convened in 1885.
The son of Mary and Tommy Moroney from Moore Street, was visibly proud as he took the seat, said he was humbled o be elected and saddened that “this could be the last time” a Kilrush Town Council AGM would be held.
“I feel huge pressure to lead this council into what could be its final year,” he told the crowd.
“I am an honest man,” he said after which there was a sight jeer and laugh from the crowd. “I am hard working, who always gives 100 per cent. I am grounded with family values at heart.”
Mayor Moroney outlined five main aims for the final year of the council. He said he would work to build employment for young people, revitalise business in the town centre and address the issue of vacant and derelict buildings in the town centre.
He said it was also important that the rates system be addresses by the minister. The reserve fireman also spoke of the need for improvement to the local road structure, and the importance of progressing the Sports Project on the Cooraclare Road.
The new mayor added that he also looks forward to welcoming people home for the Gathering this summer.
“I will do my best for Kilrush in he coming year and am sure my colleagues will back me,” he said.
He also thanked people for their support and paid tribute to the late Cllr Stephen O’Gorman (FF) who passed away in December.
Fine Gael Cllr Marian McMahon Jones was elected the last ever deputy mayor of Kilrush having been nominated by Cllr Liam Williams (FG) and seconded by Cllr Ian Lynch (FG). Neither election was contested.
At 32 years of age he has the responsibility of chairing the last ever Kilrush Town Council public meetings and paving the way for a new era in public representation, but age is a mere number to Paul Moroney.
When he was just 21 years of age he became a father for the first time, at 22 he had a mortgage and at 23 he was married to his childhood sweetheart Alison.
Just weeks after he turned 20 years old he became one of the country’s youngest firemen.
“It has taught me everything and for that I will be forever grateful,” he told The Clare People .
It is not surprising then that in the last four years since he was elected to the town council he has argued for better road safety procedures and clearer road markings as well as highlighting the needs of young families. Paul is the father or three – a ten-year-old daughter Lilly Ann and four-year-old twins, Ellie Mai and Archie. He said he has always been interested in politics.
He considered running for the local election in 2005, but felt he was too young and not well known.
“I decided not to lose out again in 2009,” he said. He went on to top the poll.
He said it was also important that Kilrush Town Council leave behind a legacy it could be proud of so he envisages a busy year ahead.
He has not ruled out running for the local elections in 2014, which would see him contest one of the geographically largest constituencies in the country.
“I would love to contest the next general election but my kids are so small. Can I commit that much time? When I saw the new boundary, I knew it was going to be a full time job. Can I give it that much time? I don’t know,” he said.
In the meantime he must keep down the day job in Patrick Bourke’s Mens Wear, fulfill his mayor duties, remain on call as a member of the local fire service and parent three young children.