Departing council CEO pays tribute to people of Roscommon
Roscommon County Council's chief executive, Eugene Cummins, will be retiring from the role this Friday (September 30) having served in the position for the last seven years.
He will be succeeded by Shane Tiernan, Director of Services, who has been appointed Temporary Chief Executive by the Minister, with effect from October 1.
A native of Ballygar, Mr Cummins began his role as chief executive of Roscommon County Council on October 1, 2015, having started his local authority career forty years ago. During his career, he has served four other local authorities, namely Limerick, Galway, Meath and Monaghan.
Speaking prior to his departure, Eugene Cummins paid tribute to the hard work and dedication of his management team and the entire staff of Roscommon County Council for their commitment and delivery of service to the citizens of the county.
"I would like to pay particular tribute to the members of Roscommon County Council, both past and present throughout my seven years as chief executive, as well as our Oireachtas representatives," said Mr Cummins.
"All of the members, irrespective of political persuasion or none at all, have been a source of great support, working with great dedication for the people they serve.
"I would like to wish my successor, Shane Tiernan, well in his new role. Shane and I have worked on many projects and I leave Roscommon County Council in very safe hands. To the staff of Roscommon County Council, both past and present, my sincere and heartfelt thanks.
"I would also like to thank the many agencies and organisations who Roscommon County Council supports and is supported by. Without collaboration, teamwork and co-operation, this fine county would be a lesser place. I would also like to thank the local media for their fair and balanced coverage throughout my tenure.
"I will miss my colleagues for their energy, their passions and their initiative. I have been privileged to serve with a management team and colleagues who have always had the best interests of Roscommon and its people at heart. I would like to commend my colleague for their ceaseless efforts throughout my seven years as chief executive.
"In conclusion, I would again like to acknowledge the many community and voluntary groups throughout Roscommon who have inspired and encouraged me in my term of office. Their sincerity and passion, is an inspiration, not just for me, but for the people of the county as a whole.
"The people of this county are nothing short of extraordinary – they are friendly beyond description. They are warm, welcoming and their hearts are huge. The people of Roscommon have been a consistent and loyal support to me.
"Roscommon people's passion, energy and commitment have always impressed, inspired and indeed humbled me.
"I've always had a great sense of Roscommon people taking great pride in their communities, in working towards a better today and tomorrow. It’s that spirit and energy that augers well for the future of this fine county," he said.
The management, elected representatives and staff of Roscommon County Council said they wanted to "warmly acknowledge the immense contribution of Eugene Cummins as chief executive during his tenure and wish him and his family every health and happiness on his retirement."
Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Tom Crosby, paid tribute to the "selfless, dignified and honourable leadership" Mr Cummins had provided to the council.
"His loss will be keenly felt, not just among elected representatives but also by his colleagues and the entire staff of the local authority," said Cllr Crosby.