Minutes of September 2025 Monthly Meeting of Clare County Council

Present

Councillors

Councillors P. Daly, M. Howard, P. Murphy, A. Baker Bashua, T. Guilfoyle, C. Colleran Molloy, T. O’Callaghan, P. Hayes, A. O’Callaghan, P. Burke, T. O’Brien, C. Ryan, D. Griffin, R. Hartigan, J. Crowe, P. O’Gorman, M. Begley, T. Mulcahy, J. Ryan, B. Slattery, J. Garrihy, S. Talty, J. Killeen, D. Gould, R. McInerney, I. Lynch, G. Keating, M. Shannon.

Officials

• Gordon Daly, Chief Executive.
• John Corry, Meetings Administrator.
• Aoife Coote, Assistant Staff Officer, Corporate Services.
• Carmel Kirby, Director of Planning and Economic Development.
• Noeleen Fitzgerald, Director of Finance and Support Services.
• Alan Farrell, Director of Physical Development.
• Siobhan McNulty, Director of Tourism Development
• Jason Murphy, Director of Social Development.

 

Presiding

The Cathaoirleach, Cllr. P. Murphy presided.

Votes of sympathy

At the outset, Cathaoirleach, Cllr. P. Murphy sought votes of sympathy from the elected members.

Cllr P. Hayes noted the passing of former Councillor and Cathaoirleach Bill Chambers and reflected on his time as an elected member spanning 38 years. Cllr. P. Hayes noted what a quiet and humble man Mr. Chambers was and remarked on his loyalty and integrity stating that he was a man of the people.

Cllr. P. Hayes extended condolences to Bill’s wife Marian, daughters Maura, Olivia and Niamh and Sons Eoin and Brian. Cllr. P. Hayes proposed that the meeting be adjourned as a mark of respect.

Cllr. J. Crowe seconded the proposal for a full adjournment and paid respect to the late Bill Chambers

Tributes were paid to the late Bill Chambers by the elected members who described Bill as a gentleman, a good friend and a great County Councillor. The members noted that Bill was passionate about his village of Cooraclare and GAA and was a fantastic community man but more importantly a fantastic family man and very proud of them.  The members noted that he would always share his knowledge with his colleagues and would throw his support behind anyone who needed it. They stated that it was an honour to have served with him on Clare County Council and he was very much missed since his retirement in 2023.

The elected members were unanimous in supporting the full adjournment of the meeting and in extending sympathy to Bill’s wife Marian, daughters Maura, Olivia and Niamh and Sons Eoin and Brian, extended family and friends.

Cllr. S. Talty extended condolences to the family of Joe Crosse who was a sub-station Officer in Ennistymon Fire Brigade. Cllr. Talty noted what a huge loss Joe was to his family, fire service and the community of Ennistymon. Cllr. Talty recalled how the town of Ennistymon came to a standstill on the day of his funeral and acknowledged the great efforts Joe went to fundraise for various charities. Cllr. Talty extended condolences to Joe’s wife Brid, daughter Teagan and son Odhran.

Cllr. S. Talty proposed that the meeting also be adjourned as a mark of respect for Joe Crosse.

Cllr. R. McInerney seconded the proposal to add Joe Crosse to the adjournment proceedings.

Tributes were also paid to the late Joe Crosse by the elected members noting how obliging he was and what a loss he is to his family, friends and community.

The elected members expressed condolences to Cllr. P. Burke on the death of his mother Margaret (Peg) Burke. The members stated that she was a pillar of the community of Whitegate and a wonderful woman with a keen interest in politics.

Gordon Daly, Chief Executive on behalf of the staff and executive of the Council associated with the sentiments expressed for the late Bill Chambers, Joe Crosse and Margaret Burke.

Mr. Daly stated that Joe Crosse was a valued member of staff and is sorely missed by all his colleagues and extended his sincere condolences to Joe’s family and friends at this difficult time.

Mr. Daly noted how fondly the members spoke of Bill was testament to the man he was. Mr. Daly recalled the gentle nature Bill had about him and that he treated everyone the same. He noted that he showed courtesy and the upmost of respect to the staff in the organisation. Mr. Daly extended sincere condolences to the Chambers family.

Cllr. P. Burke thanked all the elected members and staff of Clare County Council for their condolences and support over the past week. Cllr. Burke recalled how proud his mother was when he was elected as Leas-Cathaoirleach in 2020.

Votes of sympathy were extended to the following:

• The Ryan Family, on the death of Ned Ryan, RIP.
• The Gleeson Family, on the death of Ellen Gleeson, RIP.
• The Keane Family, on the death of Thomas Keane, RIP.
• The Crowe Family, on the death of Tom Crowe, RIP.
• The Tarmey Family, on the death of Teresa Tarmey, RIP.
• The Ball Family, on the death of James Ball, RIP.
• The Normoyle Family, on the death of Noel Normoyle, RIP.
• The Loftus Family, on the death of Bernie Loftus, RIP.
• The Lillis Family, on the death of Franko Lillis, RIP.
• The Carmody and Downes Family, on the death of Tom Carmody, RIP.
• The Hanrahan Family, on the death of Mary Hanrahan, RIP.
• The Whelan Family, on the death of Georgie Whelan, RIP.
• The Whyte Family, on the death of Vanessa, James and Sara Whyte Rutledge, RIP.

 

It was noted that the adjourned meeting will take place on Monday, 15th September at 3:00 p.m.

Conclusion

The meeting then concluded.

Signed: ____________________________
Riarthóir Cruinnithe

Signed: _____________________________
Cathaoirleach

Date:               _____________________________

Page last reviewed: 13/10/25

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