Warm tributes to departing council official

Warm tributes have been paid to departing Director of Services, Sharon Kennedy, who is to take up a post in her native Tipperary after spending four years working with Offaly County Council.

The tributes were paid to Ms Kennedy at the November monthly meeting of the council on Monday of this week, wher she was told that “Offaly's loss was Tipperary's gain” by Cathaoirleach, Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick.

Having served in the role of Director of Services for Housing, Community, Culture (including Libraries, Arts, Sports), Emergency Services and Edenderry Municipal District, Ms Kennedy was attending her last meeting of the Offaly local authority this week ahead of her departure.

Cllr Fitzpatrick said Ms Kennedy had brought “great knowledge” to the council “particularly on the issue of housing” and although it was understandable that she would have a desire to take up a post nearer home which would involve less travelling, he added that her expertise would be missed.

Chief Executive, Anna Marie Delaney said Ms Kennedy had come to Offaly during what was “a challenging time” due to the intervention of Covid, but added that she would be “very sadly missed” by the executive and members of the council.

Sharon Kennedy extended her thanks to the council executive and member, and also to the Municipal District of Edenderry for their “kindness and courtesy” to her at all times, and said she would be keeping “a close eye on Offaly” over the coming years from her new base in Tipperary.