New chapter in life for Ballina Municipal District chairman

MAYO County Council member Michael Loftus, who is chairman of the Ballina Municipal District, has called time on his working life as a shopkeeper in Crossmolina.

In a post on Facebook yesterday (Wednesday), Councillor Loftus said: “Today I finished working in and running Munnelly's Centra after 40 years and two months. I have now handed it over to Joe O'Donnell.

“It has been a wonderful time, all thanks to the people of Crossmolina and the surrounding area for their business over those years going all the way back to when my grandfather and grandmother started the business in 1935.

“I cannot give my staff enough praise - we had our sad times and happy times but they were always ready to help in whatever way they could.

“I want to thank my solicitor Peter Loftus and my accountant Kieran Loftus for their guidance and help. I want especially to thank my parents for their help and support over the years and to my wife Eleanor, children Rosanna, Mikey and Patrick I will be forever in their debt.”

No word yet on new career plans but council commitments are likely to keep Michael busy for the foreseeable future.