Three long-serving Tipp Councillors commended at their last Municipal District meeting

Three long-serving and popular Nenagh Councillors attended their last-ever Nenagh Municipal District Meeting with years of experience exiting the stage left after collective decades of service in their roles.

Councillors Ger Darcy, John ‘Rocky’ McGrath, and Hughie McGrath brought the curtains down on years of distinctive public service to the Nenagh MD area, and their peers at last week’s meeting heaped praise on the trio who have left a lasting legacy on local politics in North Tipperary.

Cllr Darcy brings to an end a 33-year career in his role and the Ardcroney man brings to an end a proud family legacy of serving the public of North Tipperary. His father, Jim Darcy, was a councillor from 1967 to 1985, and Ger was elected to the old North Tipperary County Council in 1991. He had been a member of the local Fine Gael party since the 1970s, having joined at the age of 16.

Speaking at the MD Meeting last week, Cllr Darcy reminisced about his early days in office and the changes that have taken place throughout his career involved in local politics and he went on to commend his fellow members on the great work they have done, and in his mind, will continue to do going forward.

“It’s 33 years since I was elected and it was very different back then,” Cllr Darcy remarked.

“I served with some great Councillors over the years who wanted to further their areas and their county as much as they could.

“I want to thank everyone in the Nenagh Municipal Office. The work done for our communities is done right here, and that’s the way it should be.

“Thank you all. I wish everyone the best of luck going forward. It’s important we have good local representatives,” he added.
Hughie McGrath also ended his 20-year tenure last week, having announced his decision not to run for election way back in June 2023 whilst serving as Cathaoirleach at the time.

A proud Nenagh man, McGrath said that he “always felt at home” in the Nenagh MD Office and remarked on his pride at being associated with some of the “great” names of people who have served the local community over the years since first being elected in 2004.

Pointing toward the list of former Mayors who have served in the Nenagh Office over the years, McGrath said, “When I look at all the names on the wall, I recognise every one of those names.”

“I’ve always strived to be like those people and serve the town well.”
Councillor Seamus Morris lauded McGrath’s service to the Nenagh community over the years and stated that McGrath is “one of the greatest Nenagh men I know,” and also said “he was a proud St. Joseph’s Park man.”

Finally to speak at the meeting was Independent Councillor John ‘Rocky’ McGrath. The Newport area Councillor who was first elected in 2009, has been credited with delivering on many local issues during his time as a public representative, but in particular in the areas of planning, local roads and enhancement of villages.

Councillor McGrath said that he is “very proud of my achievements” and he also commended the aforementioned outgoing pair of Darcy and Hughie McGrath.

“It’s been a big honour and I enjoyed every minute of it,” he said.

He continued, “To all the staff, I thank them all for putting up with me over the years, and I wish all of you well in the future going for elections.”

McGrath finished by highlighting the brilliant work done by Nenagh Municipal District Administrator Rosemary Joyce who McGrath described as “one of the greatest ladies” and said she was a “genius” at what she does.

Councillor John Carroll finished by lauding the trio.
“It’s a testament to them, they never find problems, they find solutions. They are very dedicated people.”