Warm tributes at Ballina meeting to recently deceased

Warm tributes were paid to a former Ballina Municipal District engineer at last week’s monthly area meeting.

Noel Burke, Ballyvary, passed away earlier this month after an illness.

Fine Gael Cllr Jarlath Munnelly paid tribute to Mr Burke and his contributions to the Ballina area.

“Noel was funny and had a quick wit but he was not afraid to tell councillors ‘no’. Once he made a decision, he’d stick to it, which was really admirable,” he said. “The [pedestrian] bridge across the Moy wouldn’t be there without his hard work and he is someone who really left his mark.”

Fianna Fáil Cllr Annie May Reape said Mr Burke made the town a better place through his work.

“Noel was a great worker and the town was all the better for having him. He was always working with the town in mind and always wanted to drive things on,” she said.

Independent Cllr Joe Faughnan said he wanted to be associated with the remarks and also paid tribute to the late Mamie Flynn (nee Gaughan), offering his condolences to her family who are well regarded in the Knockmore community.

A minute's silence was then observed for both of the deceased.