Book charts Skibb councils history

‘Skibbereen Town Council - A History’ was launched recently and presented to former councillors at a function in the council offices. Seated – from left – are Matthew Potter (author) and former councillors Catherine O’Keeffe, Donal McCarthy, Karen Coakley and Linda Carroll. Back: Marion Salter, council manager; former councillors Brendan McCarthy, Brendan Leahy, Donnchadha Ó Seaghdha, Adrian Healy and Frank Fahy and former town clerk Fiona Campbell.

BY JACKIE KEOGH

THE last Mayor of Skibbereen, Mr Adrian Healy, was given the honour of launching a book that chronicles the local authority’s past.

Founded 400 years ago, Skibbereen has had a rich and eventful history, according to Mr Healy, who paid tribute to Dr Matthew Potter on producing ‘a magnificent book.’

‘Skibbereen Town Council A History 1861 – 2014’ by Dr Matthew Potter is already in local bookstores and attracting considerable interest and favourable comment given that Dr Potter is an expert on the history of local government.

From 1861 to 2014, Skibbereen was continuously governed by a municipal council known originally as Skibbereen Town Commissioners: It was subsequently known as Skibbereen Urban District Council, but after 2002 it was known simply as Skibbereen Town Council.

Mr Healy said: ‘This admirable and readable work gives a comprehensive, detailed and most interesting account of the municipal council, setting it in the context of County Cork and the general history of Skibbereen.’