Weir brings curtain down on 25-year political career

Cllr Seamus Weir received a standing ovation from fellow councillors and members of the executive and staff of Mayo County Council at the conclusion of his final municipal district meeting, held at the Resource Centre in his native Knockmore last Friday.

The Independent councillor announced in March that he would not be standing in the forthcoming local elections, bringing an end to his 25-year career in local politics, which began when he was elected as a Fine Gael candidate in 1999. He later resigned from the party due to a dispute over plans for the development of overhead electricity pylons in the Knockmore area and continued as an Independent candidate, winnning re-election in 2014 and 2019. Before entering politics, Cllr Weir enjoyed a distinguished Gaelic football career with Knockmore and played for the Mayo senior footballers on several occasions. During his political career, he twice served as Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council and is the current Cathaoirleach of Ballina Municipal District. 

Among those to pay tribute to Cllr Weir was the chairperson of the Knockmore-Rathduff Resource Centre Bernard Comiskey.

"Twenty years ago, we had a derelict building here and Seamus Weir told me he had a vision for Knockmore and he saw us having a hall of our own. Now we have a fantastic building and it is buzzing," he said, before addressing Cllr Weir directly:

"You're at the end of a tremendous period and you have delivered for Knockmore. We're sad to see you go."

Fianna Fáil Cllr Michael Loftus thanked Cllr Weir for his service to the area and county.

"In the last ten years since I was elected, we didn't always agree on everything but we worked hard for the benefit of our communities," he said.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Annie May Reape said Cllr Weir would be missed in local politics.

"If you ran again in the local elections, you'd head the poll because of all that you achieved and you will be missed," she said.

Fine Gael Cllr Jarlath Munnelly made reference to Cllr Weir's numerous sporting achievements as a player with Knockmore.

"I want to wish the best of luck to you and your wife Mary. It is great to be able to pick your own departure and leave on your own terms.

"You brought great pride to Knockmore, wearing the club jersey and also serving on Mayo County Council."

Independent Cllr Mark Duffy said Cllr Weir was leaving on a high.

"It is really the end of an era with the legacy that you have left. I want to compliment you on all you have done and it is great to be able to leave on a high on the sporting and political field."

Fine Gael Cllr John O'Hara was not present but passed on his best wishes to Cllr Weir.

Head of the municipal district Declan Turnbull passed on best wishes to Cllr Weir on behalf of the staff of the staff. Mayo Co Council's Direct of Services Tom Gilligan also associated himself with the best wishes. 

Cllr Weir said it was not easy to leave politics but he felt the time was right to step away.

"It is not easy to leave but I want to go back now and spend time with family. In 1989, I won a county title with Knockmore and I was of a certain age, I was 37. I was told I could easily go out and play another year but when you're at the top, you should take your bow," he said.

He wished his fellow councillors well in the upcoming elections. The meeting closed with a standing ovation to Cllr Weir.