A STRAIGHT-talking, wise, honest and light-footed member of the council executive with 45 years service to local government under her belt, announced plans of retirement from Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) this week.
Director of Housing, Caroline Curley, who started her career as a typist with Limerick Corporation in June 1980, worked in six local authorities including Clare, Tipperary and Waterford during her illustrious working life. She played a significant role at District level, the Corporation and the County Council during her many years in Limerick.
Curley worked in numerous departments of the local authority in the Treaty City, having served her time in Human Resources, Planning, Environment, Fire Service and Housing. She was also very involved in the implementation of the Directly Elected Mayor (DEM).
Councillors and colleagues bid a fond farewell to Caroline at her last full meeting of the local authority this week.
Príomh Chomhairleoir of LCCC, Cllr Dan McSweeney (FG) lead the glowing tributes.
“Even though at times Caroline, we had very differing opinions, I must say the debate was robust, and I want to thank you for your service to Limerick for over 40 years,” Cllr McSweeney commented.
Mayor of Limerick John Moran echoed these sentiments.
“Caroline and I go back a long way in terms of being one of the first senior officials in Limerick City Council that I would have encountered, and I have to admit that there’s been great guidance from everything she’s done.
“The Directly Elected Mayor election was one of the memories that sticks in my mind the most,” Mayor Moran commented.
Fianna Fáil councillor Michael Collins said he was very surprised to hear the news of Ms Curley’s retirement.
“In my eyes you still look around 35, but that’s beside the point. I’ve always found you very fair and balanced, and we’ve always got on,” he said.
Fine Gael councillor Adam Teskey deemed Caroline’s retirement as Limerick’s loss.
“I often had a robust discussion with you, and in fairness, what was said out in the playing field remained on the playing field. You never held a grudge. We are at a loss with your absence,” Teskey said.
“We won’t hold the Directly Elected Mayor against you either.”
Cllr Stephen Keary (FG) said that himself and the Director of Housing always got on “like a house on fire”.
“But we always seemed to extinguish the fire before we were finished, so that was a good thing,” he added.
Cllr Liam Galvin (FG) said if Cllr Keary’s house was on fire, his was “doused in petrol”.
“Hopefully we can meet again in the All-Ireland final and take that cup that ye shouldn’t have back off ye, but best of luck,” Cllr Galvin remarked.
Cllr Tom Ruddle also wished Caroline all the best for the future and recalled one occasion where he was particularly impressed with her stamina.
“I know you’re full of energy as I remember meeting you at the Clare Mayor’s Ball a couple of years ago. You spent the whole day getting beds ready for Ukrainians coming into Ireland and it was a hard job. I remember going out on the dance floor that night, I tell you one thing, I’ll say nothing,” Cllr Ruddle pledged.
Ms Curley, after accepting the compliments, said she felt a “sense of surrealism” at her last full meeting of the local authority on Monday. She spoke of having a fantastic career in local government and said she felt very fortunate.
“I didn’t realise I was such a good or nice person,” she concluded.
