City of Galway Mayor, Cllr Clodagh Higgins, in approaching her final days in office, says Galway is an "amazing place that we are truly privileged to call home".
Reflecting on her year as first citizen of Galway, Mayor Higgins says:"It has been the honour of my life to have had the opportunity of being mayor of our great city.
"Over that time I got to fully appreciate the magnitude of the position, and the responsibility associated with it. While the word honour is sometimes used so flippantly, to serve Galway City over the past 12 months has really been a privilege."
"Galway city, a metropolis, bordering the Atlantic, divided geographically by the great Corrib, snuggled behind the mountains of Connemara, boasting the title of the friendliest city in the world, and the best foodie designation in the world, with diverse people of many traditions, orientation and faiths that we are lucky to have, collectively contributing to the vibrancy of our community."
She says this is all thanks to the many groups and individuals who work extremely hard "from the grounds staff at Galway City Council, who are out day and night keeping our streets, parks and beaches clean, to the NGOs and voluntary groups, such as the Men’s Shed, Tidy Towns Groups, Friends of Merlin Woods, Friends of Barna Woods, and the various Residents Associations, who work relentlessly to ensure our area is the best it can be".
"I would also like to convey my thanks to the various businesses and Business Associations in the city from Galway Chamber to BPW and Network Galway, along with the Westend Traders, Salthill Village, Latin Quarter, Woodquay Traders and the Eyre Square Association, which have a laser-like focus on ensuring the betterment of our city."
And not to forget, she says, all of the various arts groups and festivals that "contribute to the retention and promotion of our culture, while creating a unique atmosphere in the city - festivals and organisations such as, the Galway International Arts Festival, Galway Races, Macnas, The Film Fleadh, the Oyster Festival, Druid Theatre, and "our amazing choirs, actors, musical groups, and artists".
"On taking on the role of Mayor I wanted to have no regrets, and I leave office knowing I gave this very special role my all. I was deeply committed and dedicated to the duties bestowed on me through this position, while always promoting the city and its people in a positive way.
"I want to just thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for the warmth they have shown me during my tenure and thank the many who play an integral part in ensuring our city is a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family - go raibh maith agaibh."
