This article is from page 24 of the 2011-02-08 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 24 JPG
ENNIS Town Council will not be represented at the annual St Patrick’s Day in New York after councillors declined an invitation to attend the event.
Catherine T Hogan, President of the County Clare Patriotic Benevolent and Social Association of New York City, had issued an invitation to the mayor of Ennis Cllr Tommy Brennan (Ind) and the town manager, “or their respective representatives” to attend the parade in the Big Apple on March 17.
At yesterday’s meeting of Ennis Town Council, Cllr Brennan turned down the invitation, saying the mayor’s place on St Patrick’s Day should be in Ennis.
Mr Dollard said that a member of the Ennis / Phoenix twinning delegation would be in Arizona for St Patrick’s Day and that it might not be appropriate for the council to attend both events.
Cllr Frankie Neylon (Ind) proposed that Cllr Brian Meaney (GP) represent Ennis in New York. Cllr Meaney said he was not in a position to go and that the trip might not be advisable given the current economic circumstances.
Cllr Meaney then proposed that Cllr Johnny Flynn should go. Cllr Flynn also declined the offer, saying it was not his policy to go on foreign trips. He said councillors should instead stay at home and support local events.
Cllr Michael Guilfoyle (Ind), who as deputy mayor represented Ennis at last year’s parade in New York, said it was important the council send someone to America to show support for emigrants.
Cllr Guilfoyle too turned down an invitation to attend, citing “other commitments”.