PICTURES: 'I leave this chamber with a heavy heart but a proud one' Laois Cllr Padraig Fleming retires early

Laois County Council gave a wonderful farewell and thanks to Cllr Padraig Fleming for 17 years of service, as he retires this week. Photographer Michael Scully was there to capture the emotional final day. Tap NEXT or the arrows to view the photos, with more on the story below. 

Laois County Council staff and elected members this week bid farewell to Councillor Padraig Fleming as he retires after almost seventeen years of service to the local authority.

Fianna Fáil Councillor Padraig Fleming, was first elected in 2009 in the Luggacurran area and subsequently in 2014 to the Graigecullen/Portarlington Municipal District Area.

Cllr Fleming was Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council in both 2017 and 2024 and represented Laois at home and abroad during those periods.

The March monthly Council meeting was Cllr Fleming’s last meeting and tributes were heard across the chamber from Laois County Council elected members, management, friends and supporters.

Cllr Fleming's wife Catherine and daughters Avril and Rachel were present as well as his grandchildren. His daughter Stephanie joined remotely from Australia. The extended Fleming family were also present including his brother Sean Fleming TD.

Cllr Fleming was presented with a framed photo, flowers and a book of well wishes by Laois County Council staff. There were also presentations made from the Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Technical Group councillors at the event, including a new pink tie from the latter, acknowledging his enjoyment of dressing with a dash of colour.

Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr Barry Walsh opened proceedings by saying:

“We gather here today to mark a significant moment in the history of this Chamber as we bid a formal farewell to a colleague and friend who has been a cornerstone of Laois County Council for almost seventeen years - Councillor Padraig Fleming.

“Padraig’s name is synonymous with public service in County Laois having followed in the footsteps of a proud family tradition.

“I want to sincerely thank Padraig for seventeen years of unwavering service to Laois County Council and the people of Laois."

Speaking directly to Padraig Fleming, he continued:

“You have been a true gentleman in every sense - always inoffensive, approachable, and ready with practical advice for anyone who sought it.

“As a representative for your district, your commitment to the people of The Swan and the wider community has been exemplary. You leave behind a legacy of hard work and genuine kindness that will be greatly missed in the council chamber.

“Wishing you and your family a very happy retirement and good health. On behalf of myself and the Elected Members, thank you for an outstanding service to this Council.”

Michael Rainey, Chief Executive of Laois County Council said:

“It’s my honour and privilege on behalf of the staff and Executive at Laois County Council to acknowledge what is seventeen years of a wonderful political career. I would like to thank Padraig. He is more than just a public servant. He is more than just a politician; he is a very good friend to everybody in this room. He has been a great friend to me personally in this role as Chief Executive, to the Management Team and staff of Laois County Council for the way he has carried out his functions over the seventeen years.

“While I have known Padraig for many years, it was as Chief Executive that I really appreciated his dedication and especially the enthusiasm and passion he has for the role. This is evident when you see him out with the public. I was fortunate to accompany him, Catherine and Avril to New York last year for St. Patrick’s Day. His skill as a politician was clear on that trip – how he met the public and how professional he was in the role.

“Thank you Padraig. This Chamber will miss your easy charm, enthusiasm and passion for politics. I wish you a long and happy retirement with your family.”

Cllr Fleming spoke of his journey as a Councillor throughout his career:

“It is hard to believe that almost seventeen years have passed since I first walked into this chamber in 2009. It has gone in the blink of an eye. In that time, I have had the privilege of watching Laois be transformed from the development of our town centres, the growth of local enterprise, expansion of community facilities and the preservation of our heritage.

It has been an honour for me to play a part in this progress. I was most proud to hold the title of Cathaoirleach in 2017 and again in 2024. It was a privilege to be part of promoting County Laois at local, regional, national and international levels in the areas of job promotion, culture and heritage.”

He continued:

“I liked working in the communities at local level. This included helping people to apply for grants. I was pleased to have chaired the Municipal District and to have been on many committees at council level.

To the people of Luggacurran and Graigecullen/Portarlington, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you. You put your trust in me in the ballot box four times. Whether we met on the doorstep or at a community hall meeting, your passion for our county is what kept me going.”

Cllr Fleming also thanked the media, Laois County Council executive and staff as well as past and present elected members of the Council and the Fianna Fáil party, especially his Fianna Fáil colleagues on the Council.

After thanking his wife Catherine ad daughters Avril, Rachel and Stephanie and the extended Fleming family, he said:

“It was an honour and a privilege to work with and for the people of Laois. I have enjoyed every moment of it. I leave this chapter with a heavy heart but a very proud one. Laois is a county with a great spirit and a bright future. I wish my successor the best of luck in the years ahead.”

Laois County Council management and staff would like to wish Councillor Fleming the very best in his retirement.