'Always about the people': 92-year-old Councillor Ian McGarvey retires

For once, it was 'about McGarvey'.

On Monday, against a snowy backdrop at the Letterkenny Public Services Centre, Ramelton-based Councillor Ian McGarvey, retired from the political stage.

The sprightly 92-year-old demonstrated the best of his intense passion for the issues he presented and the people he represented right up to the last motions he tabled to the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District.

He was first elected – by a mere five votes - in 2004, just six weeks shy of his 74th birthday and he successfully contested subsequent elections in 2009, 2014 and 2019.

Old swimming pool plaque to be placed in Aura Leisure Centre

The plaque, honouring those involved in the development of the old Letterkenny Leisure Centre, will be taken from the County Museum archives and erected at the Aura

McGarvey often remarked 'it’s never about McGarvey' but he was firmly under the spotlight on Monday as took part in his final meeting.

He was Ireland's oldest Mayor when he took the chain of Donegal County Council in 2012 and he was the Mayor of the Letterkenny-Milford MD in 2018.

“I would go as far as saying he was one of the oldest politicians in the world,” ventured the Letterkenny-Milford MD Mayor, Councillor Donal 'Mandy' Kelly.

Councillor Kelly said Monday was a 'very historic day' for the Council.

“Your devotion and dedication was unbelievable and the way you carried yourself was unbelievable,” Councillor Kelly said.

“You will still play a major role, I am sure. The manner and regard you were held by your colleagues was a credit and a testament to the man you are.”

Councillor Kelly said Councillor McGarvey – who captained Swilly Rovers to victory in the 1962 FAI Junior Cup final – played a 'major captain's role' in all facets of his life.

The outgoing Councillor McGarvey, who will be replaced by his nephew, Pauric McGarvey, in the coming weeks, said he was 'all the time community orientated'.

“I felt a desire to provide a better way of life,” Councillor McGarvey said of entering political life.

“It was always about the people I represented. Dealing with people and supporting people is important. You need engagement. It was a pleasure to have served and worked on this Council.”

Donegal County Council Chief Executive John McLaughlin attended the meeting and paid tribute to Councillor McGarvey.

“It was sometimes wrong to couch Ian as the oldest in the country; that doesn't define Ian,” Mr McLaughlin said. “That was his beliefs,his honest and his integrity.”

“People could deal directly with Ian at any level.”

Donegal County Council Director of Services Liam Ward said he had 'great respect' for Councillor McGarvey.

“It was never about Ian and that always shone through,” Mr Ward said.

Councillor Jimmy Kavanagh described Councillor McGarvey as 'a complete one-off and totally unique' and Councillor Michael McBride recalled leading the St Patrick's Day parade in New York in his company.

“One of my best memories was walking up Fifth Avenue,” Councillor McBride said. ”People at the back were wondering about the hold up – McGarvey had a lot of hands to shake!”

Councillor Kevin Bradley hailed Councillor McGarvey's 'real knowledge' and Councillor Gerry McMonagle noted that his 'grá for community was second to none, he worked for everybody'.

Councillor Liam Blaney remembered the 73-year-old McGarvey being elected when 'most others would be thinking about retiring'.

Councillor Ciaran Brogan pointed to Councillor McGarvey's community work and involvement in Friends of Letterkenny Hospital, Care of the Aged and group water schemes.

“He was very, very passionate and very determined to meet the needs of people,” Councillor Brogan said. “He is probably fitter and healthier than any of the rest of us in the room.”

Councillor Donal Coyle said it was difficult to comprehend the stamina, energy and passion of the nonagenarian.

“It was never about McGarvey – but this occasion is about you,” Councillor Coyle said.

“It was about the people you represented and that is something that stands out looking back at your career.

“You are a great example for the rest of us to keep going and not give in.”