Cllr Garry Laffan takes the chains as Mayor of Wexford in time for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann
Having sampled the atmosphere of stepping out into the cauldron of a packed Croke Park in his days as a member of Wexford's legendary All-Ireland winning team of '96, that experience will come in handy as Cllr Laffan will be required to stand before thousands once again next month as he welcomes them to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025.
"It'll certainly be a busy week,' he smiles. 'But above all else, you'd have to say it's a great honour. It was a huge success last year, so we won't be looking to re-invent the wheel with it this year. There will be a couple of minor tweaks, but the council, the gardaí and all of the stakeholders have done an amazing job on putting everything in place again.
"All we need now is the weather and I can't promise that!'
However, it's not just the Fleadh that Cllr Laffan is looking towards with his stint as Mayor. He outlines priorities and big days ahead with the likes of the Carrigfoyle Activity Centre and the Curracloe Water Sports Facility.
He also wants to prioritise road safety, with a particular emphasis on a string of dangerous junctions along the N11/N25.
Overall though, Cllr Laffan is keen to represent the people of Wexford to the best of his ability during his term with the chains.
"I'm delighted to get the opportunity again," he said. 'I think the council is working very well together and ultimately it's my goal to serve the office and the community as best I can.'
Wexford Independent Alliance councillor Raymond Shannon was elected as Deputy Mayor, describing it as 'an honour and a privilege'.
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