Seamus Canning tees up retirement after 38 years of public service

Long-serving council official Seamus Canning will be swapping the council chamber for the golf course when he retires this Friday after 38 years with Donegal County Council. The Buncrana man was warmly honoured at his final meeting as Area Manager for Housing and Municipal District Services in Letterkenny, where elected members paid tribute to his long career in public service. Over his career with Donegal County Council, Seamus Canning built up extensive experience in local government, including many years in his native Buncrana where he served as Town Clerk under the former Town Council structure. He later took the opportunity to work in Letterkenny and, for the past three-and-a-half years, has served as Area Manager for Housing and Municipal District Services, overseeing one of the council’s busiest offices and an area with particularly significant housing demands. “It's a difficult role. Housing in particular is difficult, but the team is fantastic,” he said. “It's been an honour and a privilege to work with them.” He admitted retirement had not been on his mind for any great length of time, but once the idea came to him, “it didn't leave”. Mayor of the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District, Cllr Pauric McGarvey, led the tributes and said Mr Canning's retirement had come as a shock to members. “You will be missed,” he said, wishing him health and happiness for the years ahead. Warm tributes followed from across the chamber, with Cllr Gerry McMonagle describing Mr Canning as “a great asset”. Cllr Michael McBride praised his fairness and willingness to help. “Any time I went with any questions, you came back with an answer,” he said. He joked: “It will not be long until the handicap starts tumbling at North West Golf Club.” Cllr Tómas Seán Devine described Mr Canning as “a gentleman”, while Cllr Jimmy Kavanagh thanked him for always being helpful. Cllr Ciaran Brogan reflected on Mr Canning's 38 years in public service and the demands of his final posting. “Letterkenny is by far the busiest office and the housing need is by far the biggest,” he said. “In your own unique style, you were good when you were contacted. That is down to good experience. Cllrs Declan Meehan, Liam Blaney, Donal Mandy Kelly and Donal Coyle also joined in wishing Mr Canning well. Seamus was presented with an artwork of Inishowen's Leenan Beach to mark his retirement. He officially retires this Friday, with plans to enjoy the summer sunshine, along with plenty of outings to the green at North West Golf Club.