Long serving council official on the move – but not going away

COUNCILLORS from the Portlaoise Municipal District Council heaped praise on a council administrative officer on her final day with them.

Michelle McCormack had supported town commissioners, town councillors and district councillors in their administrative duties for over 25 years. The March meeting of the district council was told that it would be her final time with them as she is taking up duties in another section of the local authority.

Announcing the move and leading the praises, the cathaoirleach of the district council cllr Paddy Buggy said: “On behalf of all the councillors, those present today and those who have been here over the years that you have worked with, I just want to say thank you so much for all the help that you have given. You went above and beyond the call of duty. Your help and support was really, really appreciated. You have helped us to navigate our way through things.” 

Cllr Tommy Mulligan thanked Ms McCormack, “for all her help and advice and for your time you gave me. Whenever I made a call, and if I didn’t get you, you rang me back straight away. You were always there to offer me support and help.” 

Cllr Marie Tuohy said: “I want to thank you for everything. You are always so calm and so patient.” 

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley said: “You’re a great worker. A hard worker. It’s not the case that you will be taking a step back, but I think you are busier now than you’ve ever been. You were great with text messages reminding us to get our motions in on time. We wouldn’t have only for you. Thanks for everything.” 

Cllr John Joe Fennelly said: “I also want to say thank you. I’d say that Michelle is the most dedicated person that you could ever come across. Anytime you made a call to Michelle it was always the case that whatever way that she could help you, she would. That’s the way she’s always been since I started here (as a councillor) in 1999.” 

Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald said: “You were contactable morning, noon and night. Saturday, Sunday, it didn’t matter when. You were available to us all the time. We have a small presentation for you. It’s just in recognition for all you have done for us down through the years. And we are very, very grateful to you for that.” 

Cllr Barry Walsh said: “I also want to thank you for all the help you have given me since I started here as well, both personally and professionally with any issues I had. You were contactable out-of-hours. We really appreciate you for the support you have shown to us.” 

Director of services at the council Simon Walton told councillors that Ms McCormack was not leaving Laois County Council but was moving to another section in it.

He said that she had been, “ a massive help. A lot of business is discussed in the chamber (council meetings) and you have been involved with the three municipal district councils and at full council meetings. You will be sorely missed. Your attention to detail, your dedication and commitment are second to none, exemplary.” 

The council’s senior executive engineer Wes Wilkinson said: “You were an immense support. So dependable, so contactable, so detailed in your approach and so hard working. I enjoyed working with you, particularly coming up to the time of the meetings. Best of luck to you in your change in role.” 

Councillors and officials then gathered for a photo opportunity with Ms McCormack and presented her with a bouquet of flowers and small gift.