Sligo County Council’s elected members and staff paid tributes to Councillor Sean MacManus, who announced his retirement at the February meeting of the Council after 23 years service.
Councillor Sean MacManus
Tributes Paid to Councillor Sean MacManus
Sean MacManus with serving and former Councillors of Sligo County Council
There was a full attendance in the Council Chamber and all Sean’s colleagues acknowledged Sean’s lengthy career in public life.
In his address Sean said he greatly valued the many friendships he made since he was first elected to Sligo Borough Council in 1994 – he would go on to serve five terms, being elected to Sligo County Council 1999.
Sean was elected Mayor on two occasions, 2000 and 2003, and said it was a particular honour to serve as Sligo’s First Citizen. He said one of the most important duties of a public representative was to serve as a ‘buffer’ between the public and the various arms of government. While he felt a certain wistfulness at leaving, he took pride in his role as a Councillor, and wishes his colleagues every success in serving the people of Sligo.
Cathaoirleach Councillor Hubert Keaney paid tribute to Sean’s integrity, experience and wisdom, and this opinion was shared by all Councillors who were proud to have served with him.
Chief Executive Ciarán Hayes on behalf of the staff acknowledged Sean’s role as a leader, and commended the excellent work he carried out as the first Chair of the newly formed Local Community Development Committee.
