Galway City Councillors have been paying tribute to the local authority's Chief Executive, who is retiring from his position.
Brendan McGrath has served in the role since 2013 and this evening attended his last council meeting.
He is retiring after a total of 47 years in public service, at a number of local authorities.
At the conclusion of today’s proceedings, elected representatives from all sides of the chamber said he had worked for the betterment of Galway during his time in office.
Mr McGrath was described as someone who had served both the authority and the people of the city with distinction.
Mayor Clodagh Higgins said his dedication and willingness to help councillors and staff was unstinting.
She said he had demonstrated a deep understanding of the city over the last decade.
Mr McGrath said he had been "privileged and humbled" to lead the authority over that time and he thanked all staff and elected representatives.
He said he remained passionate about local democracy and that it was "never so important as it is now".
A steadfast supporter of the plan to construct a city by-pass to alleviate traffic congestion in Galway, Mr McGrath was also instrumental in the city’s successful bid to become the European Capital of Culture in 2020.
He will be succeeded by Patricia Philbin as temporary Chief Executive.
