Irene Guckian-Rabbitte continues family legacy on Leitrim County Council

Irene Guckian-Rabbitte was elected to Leitrim County Council today during the May Council meeting held at the Kilbracken Arms Hotel, Carrigallen.

Cllr Guckian-Rabbitte takes over the seat previously held by her father, Des Guckian, who stepped down from the Council last month due to health reasons. 

Des Guckian has served as an Independent councillor representing the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District since 2014.

Cllr Enda Stenson proposed Irene Guckian-Rabbitte to fill the vacancy. “I’m delighted and happy to propose Irene. I know she would be an exceptional member of the local authority,” Cllr Stenson said.

The proposal was seconded by Cllr Sean McGowan, who added, “She will make a viable contribution to Leitrim County Council.”

Following the proposal, Cllr Guckian-Rabbitte was elected and joined the remainder of the Council meeting.

Cathaoirleach Paddy O’Rourke paid tribute to her father’s long service on the Council.

“He was a man who was very passionate about this county and the area he represented. He was never shy about putting forward what he considered to be important,” he said.

“He was a champion of those he believed were left behind by systems. We wish him well in these difficult circumstances and offer our full support and cooperation to Irene,” Cllr O’Rourke added.

Cllr Des Guckian to step down from Leitrim County Council today

Independent councillor Des Guckian is stepping down after almost 11 years on Leitrim County Council, with his seat expected to be filled next month.

CEO of Leitrim County Council, Joseph Gilhooly, extended well wishes to Mr Guckian on behalf of Council staff, describing him as “extremely well regarded” by his local electorate.

“He was very committed to representing those who brought issues to him and he worked very hard to see the conclusion of those issues,” Mr Gilhooly said.

“He brought great attention to detail and interest in any aspect of the work here that he took an interest in, which was almost everything,” he added.

Cllr Guckian-Rabbitte, who resides in Dromod, will be representing the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District.

Speaking with emotion, she reflected on stepping into her father’s role on the Council.

“I’m honoured to be here today. It is an emotional time for me and my family and little did I ever think I would be stepping into my father’s shoes,” she said.

“I understand that I have a lot to learn but I will endeavour to represent the concerns of the people of the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District to the best of my ability.”

She told fellow councillors she is looking forward to working alongside them for the betterment of County Leitrim.

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