Glowing tributes as council official moves to new role

There is disappointment among Ballina Municipal District councillors over the transfer of the municipal manager to a new role in Castlebar.

Declan Turnbull oversaw his last municipal meeting on Friday afternoon ahead of his move to the role of Head of Integration with Mayo County Council. He will be replaced in Ballina by Anna Connor.

Mr Turnbull had served as head of the district since January 2019 and Cathaoirleach Jarlath Munnelly led the tributes at Friday's meeting.

"Declan gave great years of service to Ballina. As Cathaoirleach, I want to thank you your commitment to Ballina. You created a great atmosphere in the office in Ballina and that is down to your leadership style,” he said.

Cllr Joe Faughnan said it was a big loss for the district.

“I’m disappointed to see you go, you have always been a great help to us and you’re a big loss for us and a big gain for Castlebar,” he said.

Cllr Marie Therese Duffy praised him for his approach to dealing with staff and elected representatives alike.

“From Day 1, you’ve been so approachable and go above and beyond for us. You’ve answered thousands of my questions and always done so with kindness and I’m disappointed you’re leaving us,” she said.

Cllr John O’Hara said the move would be a big change for Mr Turnbull but he was sure the Foxford native would hit the ground running.

“We’re sad to lose you and wish you the best. It is a big change for anyone at short notice,” he said.

Cllr Michael Loftus said north Mayo has benefited from the leadership Mr Turnbull has shown.

“I’m genuinely sorry to see you go, we can’t give you enough praise for all you have done. You’ve always fought hard for this area alongside us and you’ll be badly missed,” he said.

Cllr Annie May Reape added that Mr Turnbull had made a big difference during his time in Ballina.

“It was a big shock to all of us to hear you were leaving and you’ll be missed, it is sad to see you go,” she said.

Director of Services Catherine McConnell thanked Mr Turnbull on behalf of Mayo County Council.

“When I moved to this municipal district, it was such a smooth and easy transition because of your approach to work. You left no stone unturned and you were truly one of the best at what you did,” she said.

Mr Turnbull thanked everyone for their kind words and reflected on his time in the role, naming a number of his highlights including cultural events and milestone projects for the area. This included the development of 50 houses at Rehins Fort, the staging of Other Voices in 2020, the visit of President Joe Biden, the Connacht Fleadh in Ballina, the Crossmolina Flood Relief scheme, the sinking of the MV Shingle, the Red Bull Cliff Diving event at Downpatrick Head and continuing work to develop links with Ballina’s twinned towns Scranton, Athis-Mons and Pittsfield.

“I really enjoyed working here. The team here in Ballina are excellent and I have no doubt the good spirit we’ve created will continue, I have such great faith in them and Anna (Connor) going forward,” he said.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.