Well wishes extended to retiring Kildare-Newbridge MD Cllrs

Praise was given to two councillors in the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District (MD) who have now officially retired from their respective roles as councillors.

Fianna Fáil (FF) Cllr Anne Connolly and Independent Cllr Fiona McLoughlin-Healy were commended for their work over the years by their political peers at the latest MD meeting, which was held on Wednesday, May 16 last.

The Mayor of the MD, Fine Gael (FG) Cllr Paddy Curran, paid tribute first to Cllr Connolly, calling her 'exceptionally helpful, genuine and professional.'

He then paid tribute to Cllr McLoughlin-Healy, who initially appeared at the meeting by virtual means but had to leave the meeting early for unspecified reasons.

"I would like to thank Cllr McLoughlin-Healy for everything she has done."

FG Cllr Kevin Duffy paid tribute to both Cllr Connolly and Cllr McLoughlin-Healy on behalf of his party.

"Sometimes we had differing opinions, but you (both) were always respectful," he added.

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Cllr Duffy also wished his fellow councillors the best of luck in the local elections.

FF Cllr Rob Power also paid tribute to both councillors on behalf of his party.

Speaking about Cllr Connolly, he said that she 'always did her utmost' for the town of Rathangan.

He added that she 'always stood her ground' when it came to political issues.

Referring to Cllr McLoughlin-Healy, he said: "It’s fair to say that Fiona has had an enormous impact on Kildare County Council, no one can deny that.

"Even though we didn’t always see eye-to-eye, I have to commend her enormous effort that she displayed over the years."

Concluding his speech, he turned to his fellow councillors and jokingly said: "I can’t say I wish you all luck, but I do wish you all well!"

Another FF Cllr, Noel Heavey, added that he 'would really miss Cllr Connolly, for a myriad of reasons, but I wish her luck.’

He also praised Cllr McLoughlin-Healy, calling her 'a very formidable person.'

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Cllr Connolly then took a moment to comment on her retirement, calling it 'a bittersweet day' for her.

"I loved my time here over the last five years," she said: "I think that we are a great group, and we worked very well over the last five years."

"Thank you all for your friendship, your support and respect. I have made some great friends here, who will be with me forever."

"I wish Kildare County Council, Fiona and everyone standing for election the very best of luck," she concluded.

Cllr McLoughlin-Healy was asked by the Leinster Leader for comment about her retirement, but she did not respond by time of publication.

A representative of Kildare County Council also paid tribute to both councillors, thanking them for 'their service and great humour.'

The representative, along with Mayor Curran, also wished all councillors the best of luck in the upcoming local elections.