Paddy Courtney (b. 1960)
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Paddy Courtney (b. 1960)

10.0015.00

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Track 1: Paddy Courtney’s grandfather Paddy Courtney, and his support of Michael Collins during the War of Independence is recalled. The tradition of tailoring in the Courtney family in Killarney is also discussed, and Paddy describes his own early days as an apprentice joiner at Liebherr in Killarney, prior to his emigration to New York. His father Michael Courtney was seconded onto Killarney Urban Council following the death of Henry Downing in 1971, and was elected to the position in 1974. His son, Hugh Courtney, was seconded onto the Council following the death of Michael Courtney in 2010, and Paddy Courtney was further seconded onto the Council following Hugh’s emigration to Switzerland. Track 2: Paddy Courtney returned to Killarney in 1995, and worked on his trade with various local businesses, and this period of his life is described. He says that his family home during his young days was often visited by politicians and was a hive of activity while his father was heavily involved in the promotion of tourism in Killarney. He was elected Chairman and then Mayor of the town on five occasions during his thirty years on the Council. Track 3: The role played by central government in the decentralisation of departments, which brought the Department of Justice to Killarney, is discussed. Paddy Courtney also outlines his views on being the last Mayor of Killarney, and what this means to him. Track 4: The Council meetings, the councillors, the decision-making process and the camaraderie which exists between the councillors, regardless of political allegiance is discussed.

Additional information

Type:

Disk, MP3

Audio series:

Reflections on the Urban District of Killarney Collection

Bitrate:

160 kbps

Download time limit:

48 hours

File size(s):

8.53 MB, 10.21 MB, 11.71 MB, 6.36 MB

Number of files:

8

Product ID:

CDKTC01-02

Subject:

Family and local government

Recorded by:

Maurice O'Keeffe – Irish Life and Lore