Carroll will not contest next local elections

Offaly county councillor John Carroll has confirmed that after almost 40 years as a public representative he will not be a candidate in next June's local election.

He was first elected to Birr Urban District Council in 1985 and re-elected until it was abolished in 2014.

John was elected to Offaly County Council in 2004 and returned in every election since then.

He has served as Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council 2020/21 and Town Council in 2005/6 and 2013/14 the final year of that institution.

John has been a member of the LOETB since its inception and was elected Chairman of the Board in 2018/19.

John was the Sinn Féin flag bearer in election from 1974 to 1997 when he left the party. During that period he contested Town, County, General and European elections for the party. He has been an Independent Cllr. since 1997.

John has been very involved in local community projects, Birr Leisure Centre, Birr Playground, Crinkle Sports and Recreation Centre.

John's greatest passion has been promoting the Irish language and he is proud of his role with like minded people in establishing a Gaelscoil in Birr which will be moving into its newly -built modern school in mid-January.

John was also a founding member of Birr 2020.

Having reached the age of 70, John believes it’s time to make way for the next generation and is hopeful that someone with similar values will step forward as a candidate for next local elections and provide strong local representation for this area.

He said it has been a wonderful experience to play a direct role working with communities shaping the future in so many ways.

After Eamon Dooley and Danny Owens also announced they would not be standing, Cllr Carroll's decision means three long-established names will not be on the ballot paper in June.