COUNCIL PASS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE IN MAYO TEAM
11 September 1996
Provisional plans made for civic reception
Tom Kelly reports
Mayo County Council have passed a vote of confidence in Mayo's bid to lift
the All-Ireland senior football title at Meath's expense at Croke Park on
Sunday.
Provisional plans have been made by the authority for a special civic reception in the event of the team securing the Sam Maguire Cup for the first time in 45 years.
It is proposed to stage the reception in Aras an Chontae on Monday evening. . .all going well! Each of the 31 elected members of the council have been allocated with stand tickets for the big match. But the tickets were not handed out free of charge at rate- payers expense. They must be paid for personally by the councillors.
Mr. Pat McHugh, chairman, said he was delighted to be in a position to allocate tickets to each elected member, and he thanked the G.A.A. authorities for their assistance in the matter.
On behalf of the council, he wished the team manager John Maughan and his charges best wishes in their quest for glory. "It is my earnest hope to be formally welcoming home the team in this chamber next Monday evening.
"I know that the entire county is behind the team, and I realise the occasion will be a very special one for Mayo people at home and abroad."
The timing of Beverly Cooper Flynn's co-option to the council, in succession to the late Mr. Richard Morrin, could not have been better timed.
She said: "I am particularly happy to be associated with the council at a time when Mayo are going to win the All-Ireland final."
An unexpected greeting awaited Councillor Cooper-Flynn on her arrival in the council chamber . . a kiss on the cheek from her West-Mayo political rival, Mr. Michael Ring, T.D.
Said Deputy Ring: "I wish her well and I look forward to many good political battles with her."
Meanwhile, the mood of the county is one of quite optimism as Mayo
prepares for the big game.
It is the general consensus that Mayo face a very difficult challenge
against Meath, and will have to produce an outstanding display to win the
match.
Connaught Telegraph - News - September 1996
Connaught Telegraph - Sport - September 1996
