Call for civic reception for Jack Carty's Connacht record turned down

A South Roscommon councillor's request for a civic reception to honour Jack Carty's “magnificent” achievement in becoming Connacht's all-time points scorer recently was surprisingly turned down at the most recent Athlone Municipal District of Roscommon meeting.

A “somewhat disappointed” Independent Cllr Tony Ward has now called for the criteria to be “broadened out” after he was told that a civic reception is only given to those who have won a national or international award or honours.

“I felt as a South Roscommon man I couldn't let the opportunity pass without Jack being honoured,” Cllr Ward told the Westmeath Independent after nominating the Connacht outhalf for the civic honours at the meeting on May 16 last. “It was a great personal achievement for Jack Carty. He's from my own parish, he's played for Ireland ten times, and now he's broken the all-time scoring record for Connacht. He was on 1,159 points when I put him forward but it's gone up since then,” added Cllr Ward.

The Connacht captain displaced the long-time record held by provincial legend Eric Elwood of 1,152 points, when he scored 13 points in the province's win over South African club, the Emirates Lions, bringing him to a record-breaking 1,159 at the end of January.

“He's now all-time top scorer with Connacht. A lot of players have come and gone and Jack Carty is on top as the record scorer. I think it is a tremendous achievement,” added the local councillor, whose other request for a civic reception for Curraghboy artist Avril Egan, who recently was given a prestigious award in Italy was passed, and is expected to take place in June

On the criteria for civic receptions, a spokesperson for Roscommon County Council said it is accepted that the council as the body representing the people of the county should acknowledge the spectacular successes and/or achievements of its citizens whether it be in a team sport, an individual sport or in business, recreation or endurance pursuits.

However, in order that such achievements are “not demeaned in any way”, it is important that guidelines be agreed which would inform the circumstances in which these achievements are honoured by the local authority.

As a result, the statement explained that the council has suggested that recognition be given to a team, sporting of otherwise representing Roscommon win a national or international award, a team or individual who wins a gold medal at the National Community Games or when an individual representing Roscommon wins a national or international award, sporting or otherwise. In addition, when a citizen or organisation has brought national recognition to the county they can be honoured by the local authority.