Mayo council meeting adjourns as mark of respect to bereaved families

THE monthly Castlebar Municipal District meeting was adjourned today as a mark of respect to two families, recently bereaved, with strong links to the council.

Tributes were paid to the late former councillor Frank Durcan, who died in Spain, and John Dolan, Castlebar, who died in Brussels and whose father, Paul, was former head of roads with Mayo County Council.

Proposing an adjournment after statutory business was dealt with, cathaoirleach Councillor Al McDonnell extended sympathies to both the Durcan and Dolan families.

He commented on Mr. Durcan's contribution to the council chamber over many years, with his colleague Councillor Harry Barrett noting how, over five decades, Frank Durcan was a force to be reckoned with, always putting the needs of the town first.

Councillor Michael Kilcoyne, who served with Mr. Durcan on the town and county council, said it was fair to say that he had represented the people who voted for him very well.

Their colleagues Councillors Donna Sheridan, Ger Deere, Blackie Gavin and Cyril Burke also joined in the expressions of sympathy, acknowledging Mr. Durcan's service to Castlebar.

Thoughts and prayers were also very much with the Dolan family as they mourn the loss of a son and brother - a young man who died in recent days after a short illness.

Sympathy was extended to his family at this difficult time as they come to terms with his loss, in the prime of his life.