Best wishes expressed at JPC for outgoing council chief

Best wishes were extended to Westmeath County Council chief executive, Pat Gallagher, who is retiring shortly, at the January meeting of the Westmeath Joint Policing Committee.

The chairman, Cllr Paddy Hill, on behalf of the committee, wished Mr Gallagher and his family all the best and said he was sure that as a young and active man, he would find plenty to do in retirement. “We will miss you – your presence and advice was also welcome here.

“He is a gentleman and if you went to Pat with any problem, you had a listening ear.”

Chief Superintendent John Dollard joined in wishing Mr Gallagher well. He thanked him for his engagement with the gardaí and said there was no doubt that county councils were their biggest external shareholders.

“Nothing demonstrated it better than the two fleadhs we saw over the last two summers, which were hugely successful,” he added. He wished him a long, healthy and happy retirement.

Mr Gallagher said it had been great to work on the JPC for two terms. He complimented the gardaí in the county for the work they do 365 days a year. He mentioned in particular the work they did in recent years, over and above the call of duty, in helping us cope with the pandemic and in supporting the planning operations for the fleadhanna.

The partnership between the gardaí, the council, elected members and the community through the PPN has worked well, Mr Gallagher remarked. He wished them all the best for the future.