Loftus leads tributes as Weir calls time

Councillors in the Ballina Municipal District have paid tribute to Cllr Seamus Weir following his retirement from local politics.

At last Friday’s annual general meeting, newly-elected Cathaoirleach Cllr Michael Loftus, who took over the role from the former Independent councillor, led the tributes to Mr Weir.

“Seamus Weir was always true to what he said and the things he spoke about. Knockmore and Crossmolina wouldn’t have great time for each other on the football field but Seamus and I always got along, he was so kind,” he said. "We always worked together for the best of the benefit of Ballina Municipal District."

Cllr Annie May Reape welcomed Cllr Joe Faughnan, who has taken over the seat left vacant in Knockmore.

“Seamus is a big loss to us here. He was part of council life for 25 years and Joe will have big shoes to fill which I’m sure he will do and he will bring his own style to it,” she said.

Cllr Faughnan thanked his fellow councillors for their warm welcome and said he was looking forward to working with them over the next five years. He wished Mr Weir well in his retirement from politics.

On behalf of the staff of the municipal district, manager Declan Turnbull thanked Mr Weir for all he had done for the area during his 25 years in politics.