Anna Marie Flynn
BALLINA Town Council adjourned their monthly meeting as a mark of respect to the late sportsman John Forde last week.
Cllrs Johnnie O’Malley and Barry McLoughlin, chairpersons of Ardnaree Sarsfields and Ballina Stephenites respectively, proposed the business of the meeting be adjourned at 8pm – one hour after the meeting commenced – as a mark of respect to the All-Ireland medal holder.
Elected members unanimously supported the proposal and paid warm tributes to the Ballina man who passed away last week.
Mayor, Cllr Mary Kelly, recalled the late John Forde, a resident of Healy Terrace, was a recipient of a Civic Reception held in honour of legendary GAA figures in the town last summer. “On behalf of this Council, as Mayor, I want to extend my condolences to the family,” she said.
Cllr Barry McLoughlin, on behalf of Ballina Stephenites, described Mr Forde as ‘one of the most respected members of the Stephenites in its long history’. “He was a respected man before the split of 1948 and remained involved even after that. His views were always respected. John Forde was a remarkable sportsman and a highly skilled craftsman, who worked on the clubhouse of the Stephenites.”
Cllrs Michelle Mulherin, Peter Clarke, Mark Winters, Gerry Ginty and Johnnie O’Malley asked to be associated with the remarks. Town Manager, Paddy Mahon, also extended the sympathy of the staff and management of Ballina Town Council. “Not alone was John Forde highly regarded in the town but he was also held in high esteem the length and breadth of the country,” he said.
Mayor Kelly closed the business of the April meeting at 8pm sharp.
