This article is from page 35 of the 2007-06-26 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 35 JPG
LABOUR councillor Tony McMa- hon’s year-long term comes to an end tonight, when he is expected to be succeeded by Cllr Sean McLough- lin (FG), at Shannon Town Council’s Annual General Meeting.
After enduring a busy year as ca- thaoirleach, Cllr McMahon believes that, looking ahead, the future of the airport and the development of Shan- non town will be priorities.
“T am glad the problem at the air- port has resolved. I’m glad there is a positive outcome for Shannon, relat- ing to the restructuring. Many chal- lenges lie ahead,” he said.
“The biggest challenge now is the fact there is a possibility of a new town structure with a proper street- scape. That is one of the biggest challenges, that people would en- gage in that and get it right. I have asked the planners and the people of Shannon have a degree of pride in it. It will be difficult to achieve,” he ac- knowledged.
“IT am also anxious to see an arts centre being built. It is one of the missing things in Shannon,’ said Cllr McMahon, who has been a town councillor for the past eight years.
Cllr McMahon reflects on a busy year aS mayor and was particularly pleased to have played a crucial role
in raising money, through the May- or’s Ball. That money went to Clare Haven, which provides support for female victims of domestic abuse, something he feels strongly about.
When he pledged the money to Clare Haven last February, Cllr Mc- Mahon said he was shocked to hear some of the tales from victims of do- mestic abuse.
He said it was “very sad that such a service is needed at all. Domestic incidents are sad and terrible”.
He had viewed a presentation by Clare Haven and found it “not just enlightening, but shocking”.
“Some of the things I heard were beyond belief,” he said.
On a more positive note, he said that he enjoyed many things about his year as mayor.
“There were a lot of high points. I was pleased with the Mayor’s Ball. I was also glad we had an Easter Com- memoration and celebrated the 25th birthday of the town council.
“Going to France with the Twin- ning Association gave me the oppor- tunity to promote Shannon overseas, while I got to talk to a lot of people and promote Shannon during the trip to America for St Patrick’s Day.”
‘“T have enjoyed it. It was challeng- ing in ways. It was a great privilege and honour and was fulfilling,” he Sr BKOE