New Cathaoirleach of Gorey Municipal District, Cllr Pip Breen. Pic: Christy Farrell.

Cllr Pip Breen, first elected to the first Gorey Municipal District Council on his first attempt in 2014, has been honoured as Cathaoirleach for 2016-’17 term, and was presented with the chains of office by outgoing Cathaoirleach, Cllr Malcolm Byrne, at the annual general meeting held in the Civic Centre.

Cllr Breen was proposed by his Fianna Fáil colleague, Cllr Joe Sullivan, who said Cllr Breen’s career in public life began in 1969 when he joined the Fianna Fáil cumann in Boolavogue and for the following 40 years served the community in farming and sporting organisations. “He richly deserves the chair.”

He was seconded by Cllr John Hegarty who stated that since Cllr Breen was elected he has learned the ropes quickly and has been very much involved in council business.

Cllr Mary Farrell was proposed for the chair by Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin

Cllr Breen said it was a great day for him and his family. “It has been a long journey and I am happy for my wife, Mary, and four children, three of whom are abroad.

Cllr Breen promised to do his best for Gorey town and district which “is a great place to live, but we have problems to solve,” but was inspired by the Innovate Centre, the Town Park and Gateway Projects going into the future.

Cllr Malcolm Byrne proposed Cllr Anthony Donohoe for Leas-Cathaoirleach, but Cllr Donohoe proposed Cllr John Hegarty, who in turn was seconded by Cllr Byrne and there was no opposition.

Full coverage this week in THE GOREY ECHO.