by Alan Jacques
WHILE the more unforgiving among us may remember the first Mayor of the new local authority for taking up a disabled parking space outside County Hall, the man himself cites Andy Lee’s homecoming as WBO middleweight world champion last December among his many highlights.
Reflecting on his year as first citizen, Cllr Kevin Sheahan said he was deeply honoured to become Mayor of Limerick City and County Council on June 6 last year. He told the Limerick Post this week that he was acutely aware at the beginning of his term that “you are only ever borrowing the chain of office”, so he wore it with immense pride and honour throughout his tenure.
The Fianna Fail politician from Askeaton said that the most important event he attended over the 12 months was the granting of the Freedom of Limerick to President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins.
“He and his wife, Sabina, were most appreciative of the honour and everyone who attended the event in the Milk Market and indeed, those who weren’t present, were most generous with their compliments about the recognition granted to the President from his birthplace,” said Cllr Sheahan.
The councillor counted Andy Lee’s knockout homecoming ceremony after returning from Las Vegas last Christmas with the WBO middleweight champion belt as one of the most memorable of his mayoralty.
“He was given a rapturous reception by his home city on his return from Las Vegas. I also very much enjoyed meeting the many young successful athletes who visited me at the Council buildings in both Merchant’s Quay and Dooradoyle.”
Of the many civic receptions held by Cllr Sheahan one of the most fitting was one to honour the Garda Síochána in acknowledgement of their success in tackling crime in Limerick.
“Their efforts have contributed to Limerick now gaining the reputation that it so rightly deserves as a progressive and energetic city and not the unfair epithet that it had in the past been tarnished with. I was delighted to host a special reception for retiring Detective Superintendent Jim Browne who for many years led Limerick’s fight against crime,” Mayor Sheahan explained.
The Mayor also recently held a civic reception for the Religious Orders and Congregations in the Diocese of Limerick in recognition of their unselfish contribution to health, education and social services in our communities.
Cllr Sheahan made five overseas trips during his year as Mayor. He visited London to meet with staff of the Aisling Project, who he subsequently was able to support through funds raised at the Mayor’s Ball. His second trip was to Santa Clara to attend an international conference of Sister Cities.
The Mayor then took a trip to Germany where Limerick County Council had in previous years a very successful twinning relationship with Hohenlohe. His fourth trip was a controversial visit to Calais in France to consider possible partnerships around the area of lace production.
Deputy mayor and party colleague Cllr Joe Crowley believed he was more deserving of the trip. Earlier this month he commented, “As I am coming towards the end of my term as deputy mayor, it would be nice to have had some trip away.”
Before parking his year as mayor, Cllr Sheahan also visited Boston where he met with the Irish American Mayor Marty Walsh and his team.
A new Mayor of Limerick City and County will be elected this Friday afternoon.
