Pádraig Conneely Explained

Pádraig Conneely is an Irish Fine Gael party politician.^[1] He was Mayor of Galway from 2008 to 2009, where he was known as "the maverick mayor".^[2]

Biography

Conneely was elected to Galway Corporation in 2002 and proved a divisive figure, frequently at the centre of contentious and personal attacks on city officials, that caused council meetings to be prolonged for hours or end in impasse. His reputation led to his being dubbed the maverick mayor upon his election in 2008.^[2]

While Mayor, he oversaw the city's successful hosting of the 2009 Volvo Ocean Race, which boosted revenue for the city despite the economic downturn.^[2] He was succeeded as mayor by Declan McDonnell.

External links

• Mayors of Galway

Notes and References

1. News: Marie Madden . Marie Madden . Outspoken cllr new city mayor . Outspoken Galway City Councillor Padraig Conneely is the new Mayor of Galway city, after beating fellow councillor Michael Crowe in a close vote. . . 25 June 2008 . 2011-04-11 .
2. News: Cowen booed as FF party logo does disappearing act . Pádraig Conneely "the maverick mayor" joined in group photos with sailors and revellers alike, packed outside pubs on the lively party hub of Quay Street late on Sunday night. Wearing his mayoral chain, but getting a reception more suited to a local sports star, the Fine Gael head of Galway City Council had plenty of reason to celebrate. . . 28 May 2009 . 2011-04-09 .