Tributes poured in at a recent Monaghan County Council meeting following the retirement of long serving member, Paul Clifford.
With a career spanning over 40 years, Mr Clifford most recently served as Director of Services and acting Chief Executive.
It was a day of mixed emotions at yesterday’s Monaghan County Council meeting, following the return of Chief Executive Eamonn O’Sullivan after a term of bad health and the retirement of Paul Clifford.
Paying tribute to Paul Clifford, and his 42-year service, Cllr PJ O’Hanlon said the retiree would be a “massive loss” to Monaghan County Council, adding that Mr Clifford was “one of the best public servants” he ever came across, “without a question.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by other councillors who all referenced Mr Clifford as an “influential figure” who had a passion for the people of Monaghan.
Chief Executive Eamonn O’Sullivan “thanked” Council representatives for their “kind words” on his return to the council chamber and also paid tribute to Paul Clifford and his long standing contribution to Monaghan County Council.
Eamonn O’Sullivan described his former colleague as the “excellence of public service” adding that his passion for the county was “just outstanding.”
Speaking to those in attendance, the Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council said there are “many examples” of Paul Clifford’s “hard work” across the county and the he “excelled” in brining funding scheme into Monaghan.
Eamonn O’Sullivan also thanked Paul Clifford’s family for allowing him to dedicate a large part of his time to the council and the people of Monaghan, and wished him "health and happiness" in his retirement.
