“SERENDIPITY and pride in Limerick” is what newly elected Cathaoirleach of the Metropolitan District, Cllr Sarah Kiely, identifies as the factors behind her meteoric rise in the city’s political pecking order .
Taking over the reins from outgoing chairman Cllr James Collins (FF) on Monday, Cllr Kiely offered a word of advice to anyone looking to make their dreams come true.
“Have a goal and be brave,” she declared.
“The road is never straight. It is meandering and sometimes rocky. Life events will bring you on detours, so it is important to keep your resolve.”
The City East representative, first elected to Limerick City and County Council in June 2019, lost her husband Damien O’Shaughnessy six months prior to winning her seat.
The Janesboro mother-of-two bravely decided to run in the local election to give something back to her local community.
“Two years ago. if someone had told me this would be happening I wouldn’t have believed them. I feel so proud and privileged to be in this role with my dad Martin, my daughter Emily and my son Tiernan all here today to support me.
”The last two years have been very tough on us all. There are two very important people missing. My late husband Damien and my late mother Aileen, who I know are looking down at me too,” she said in the Dooradoyle council chambers this Monday.
”The last few months have been challenging for individuals, families, communities and the country as we all grapple with Covid-19. My message to you today is keep going – no matter what life throws at you.”
Cllr Kiely went onto say that it was serendipity and pride in Limerick that first got her into politics.
”I’ve always lived here and know the city like the back of my hand. I was educated here and raised my family here. I worked as a chef for nearly 20 years in the private sector and the public sector with TUSLA. I’ve always worked in the city. It is an integral part of who I am.”
A hard-working stalwart in her own community, Cllr Kiely also believes volunteers are the backbone of Limerick.
“Not long ago I volunteered with Limerick Youth Service and Limerick City Community Radio. One of my first achievements after my election was finding the station their home in Tait Place with the help of the executive.
“I got so much from my time with them that I would encourage anyone with free time to give it a go. Radio is part of who we are and is a very reliable source of news, We as a nation listen to more radio that most other countries.”
Cllr Kiely maintains civic pride in Limerick is very strong at present, something she has seen evidence of during the Covid-19 pandemic. The new Cathaoirleach of Limerick City and County Council’s Metropolitan District vowed to continue lending her support to the voluntary sector in Limerick during the next 12 months.
“The Metropolitan area, of which we are the local government, must provide unwavering support to all of our citizens. Politics is for the many not just the few. We need more diversity. That means something different to everyone.
“Building a new Limerick is now our focus. We are in unprecedented times. The ongoing impact of Covid-19 and the potential impact of Brexit are having a massive impact on all of us – businesses and communities alike. I intend to listen, engage, and work with all parties, organisations and businesses who want our City to thrive,” she concluded.
