Longest-serving Laois councillor marks 40-year milestone

A VETERAN councillor widely described as ‘a legend and a gentleman’ was honoured at a special reception in county hall, to celebrate his 40 years on Laois Co Council.

Cllr Seamus McDonald from Rosenallis, first elected in 1985, is the council’s longest-serving member, having battled and won a remarkable nine local election campaigns for Fianna Fáil.

There were warm cross-party tributes from fellow councillors at an afternoon gathering on 28 October, which was attended by Cllr McDonald’s proud family, friends and guests that included party colleagues Seán Fleming TD, former Laois TD and MEP Liam Hyland and former minister of state John Moloney.

Reflecting on four decades representing a large rural area around the Slieve Blooms, Cllr McDonald said: “Over 40 years, I’ve seen great change in our county. Laois is now one of the best counties in Ireland and I’m proud to have been part of that.” 

Fellow elected representatives shared warm tributes, personal anecdotes and heartfelt congratulations, as they celebrated the popular Drummond man’s enduring legacy.

Humorously highlighting a shrewd strategy that has worked well for both of them, Cllr Paddy Bracken (FF) told Cllr McDonald: “I never went canvassing in Rosenallis and you never came into Mountmellick!” 

Stradbally councillor Paschal McEvoy (FF) recalled accompanying Cllr McDonald to Moloney’s pub in Mountmellick when “It was like God had walked in”, such was the admiration for a man who was “an absolute legend” in his native Rosenallis.

Labour’s Cllr Marie Tuohy from Portlaoise summed up the Fianna Fáil veteran’s exceptional popularity when she said: “I think if it was a choice between you and me, my sister-in-law would vote for you!” 

Cathaoirleach Cllr Barry Walsh (FG) told the gathering that the celebration marked “a tremendous milestone” in Cllr McDonald’s career, saying: “You have played a key role in this council and have witnessed many changes over the years.

“I want to acknowledge your steadfast support for your local area in the Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick Municipal District and especially your home village of Rosenallis. It is only right and fitting that your service is being recognised here today.” 

Describing Cllr McDonald as “a true gentleman”, council chief executive Michael Rainey said his legacy of service spanning generations was “a testament to the esteem and trust” in which he was held by his constituents and community.

On behalf of council management and staff, Mr Rainey said: “I want to thank you for your dedication and contribution over the years. We look forward to continuing our work with you into the future.” 

All councillors paid tributes to the man of the moment, whom Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald (FF) described as “a beacon of common sense” and Cllr Ollie Clooney (Ind) as “a marathon man” whose long political career was due to years of hard work. Cllr Pádraig Fleming (FF) agreed, as he described his party colleague as quiet but hard-working and effective in getting things done.

Cllr Paddy Buggy (FG) narrowly lost out to Cllr McDonald for the last seat in Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick in last year’s local elections, but was subsequently co-opted to take Deputy Willie Aird’s council seat. Cllr Buggy graciously told Cllr McDonald at the celebration: “I was disappointed when I lost but what took the sting out of it was that you won.” 

Cllr John King (FG) said his friendly political opponent was “like a good whiskey” that gets better with age, while Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley (Ind) said Cllr McDonald was “a good friend and colleague” who knew his own area like the back of his hand.

To warm and sustained applause, a number of presentations were made to Cllr McDonald to mark a major milestone in his long political career, which has earned him the unofficial title ‘Father of the Council’ in his beloved native county.