Kilkenny has a new Mayor. Councillor Andrew McGuinness was elected Mayor on Friday for the fourth time.
Taking to the podium, Mayor McGuinness was visibly humbled and emotional. His pride in Kilkenny, love of music & art, his deep rooted family history of public service and his sense of commitment to the people of Kilkenny shone through in his speech but it was his emotional pause when he mentioned his sister Alva who lives in Japan and his direct address to his children Jack and Phoebe that captivated the gathering.
Mayor McGuinness said , “Before I finish, I want to say a few words to Jack and Phoebe.
“Thank you both for your patience.
“It isn’t always easy being the children of somebody involved in public life.
“There are events to attend, photographs to pose for, and occasions where I’m sure you’d much rather be at home with your xbox or sitting at your art desk.
“But I’ve always tried to include you in as much of it as possible.
“Partly because I enjoy having you there.
“And partly because I hope that someday, when you’re older, you’ll look back on all those photographs you hated being in and smile.
“I hope you’ll remember that, for a little while at least, you got to be Mayor with your dad.
“Some of my happiest memories from previous terms as Mayor weren’t fancy or official events.
“They were simple moments.
“Like standing with Jack and Phoebe and switching on the Christmas lights with Santa.
“I have similar memories as a child with my own dad and grandad.
“So in a funny way, some things come full circle,” said Mayor McGuinness.
Andrew is the fourth generation of his family to serve as Mayor following his father John, grandfather Mick and great grand uncle Jack.
It’s safe to see our new Mayor has strong values rooted in family, and a genuine care for Kilkenny and the people in it.
