Busy cathaoirleach hopeful of new year business boost

THE first Cathaoirleach of the new look and enlarged Galway County Council has had a hectic start to her term of office, but it’s been six months that Headford’s Mary Hoade has thoroughly enjoyed.
Looking ahead to the next six months, the Headford-based councillor says the extra nine councillors have made a difference to how meetings are held but she is happy that the additional seats give a wider spread of electoral representation across the county.
“It’s been extremely busy but it has also been a great opportunity to visit parts of the county you wouldn’t usually get to.
“I’ve personally been impressed by the high levels of volunteerism that exist in communities. There’s a huge number of people giving up their time and I think it’s very important that we as a council recognise this,” said the Fianna Fáil councillor.
Wearing the Cathaoirleach’s chain is something Cllr Hoade is extremely honoured by and proud of and it’s a role she takes very seriously. She admits, however, that it does take a lot of her time and can impact on her also busy family life.