Two new councillors officially co-opted onto Clare County Council

Two new councillors have officially been co-opted onto Clare County Council following the election, last month, of two former councillors to Dáil Éireann.

A special meeting took place at Áras Contae on Chláir in Ennis - the purpose of which was to fill the vacancies arising from the election of Donna McGettigan and Joe Cooney on November 29.

At the outset, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Alan O'Callaghan, wished both TDs luck in their new roles, asking them to "keep Clare in their hearts." 

Sinn Fein's James Ryan, of Westbury on the outskirts of Limerick city has now been formally co-opted to take the party's second seat in the council.

The new councillor was described as "a real community activist" by Cllr Rachel Hartigan, who welcomed him aboard and commended his tidy towns group. He was said to be "an active person who will make a big contribution" to the council, and to Clare, by fellow councillors. 

The second person to be co-opted was farmer Conor Ryan, hailing from O'Callaghan's Mills, who has taken his seat on the Fine Gael benches. 

Cllr Pat Burke said the young man is a "true blue" who "came out on top" of all candidates who put themselves forward for the position. Cllr Paul Murphy disclosed that he "had not heard" of the new councillor but that he "was spoken highly of." 

Upon doing his research and speaking with his co-workers, Cllr Murphy said that Ryan is "so passionate about what he wants to do for Clare" and is a "fantastic candidate."  

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The Cathaoirleach said it was "a proud day" for both the men, and wished them the very best of luck going forward. 

Saying their goodbyes, Joe Cooney declared that the council "have been great to me for the last 20 years" and hopes the newly co-opted councillors can make Clare "a better place to live, work, and enjoy." 

Now former councillor Donna McGettigan shared her gratitude towards the council, telling both James Ryan and Conor Ryan: "It is up to you now."

Ending the special meeting, Cathaoirleach O'Callaghan encouraged the two new members to do their best over the next four-and-a-half years. "Your voice is here to be heard, and to be known." 

A briefing is now in the midst of being organised so the newly co-opted councillors can meet their fellow council members. 

The co-options took place on Thursday - just a day after Clare's newest TDs took their Dáil seats for the first time.