Kildare politician stands down as mayor and gives birth to daughter

The relaunched Bealtaine Festival in Naas - which saw the main street closed for a period and the return of live music - was the highlight of 2023 for many.

That’s according to outgoing Naas Mayor Evie Sammon who's also the youngest member of the Naas Municipal District.

“It is hard to believe that my year as mayor has come to an end, filled as it has been with challenges, triumphs and countless memories that will forever be etched in my heart,” she said, thanking the residents of the Naas area which includes Kill, Sallins, Ballymore Eustace and Johnstown for their  support.

Reviewing her term as mayor, Cllr Sammon said a  number of measures have been initiated to improve infrastructure, promote economic development, and protect our environment. We have fostered a sense of unity, celebrating our diversity and embracing our shared values. And most importantly, we have worked hand in hand to build a strong and resilient community that we can all be proud of. 

Dad Andy, with Clara and Evie

She recalled the other developments during her tenure including the opening of the Naas Farmers Market, which she said “will thrive in time.”

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Cllr Sammon added: “I attended too many events to mention and had the honour of travelling to New York for St Patrick’s Day on behalf of KCC “and the connections made with the Kildare Association in New York are very special.”

Last, but not least, Cllr Sammon gave birth some twelve hours after the June 13 meeting of NMD - a girl for the Ballymore councillor and husband Andy.

“I know I wrapped up the June meeting of the Naas MD pretty swiftly in favour of going for a swim and what I didn’t know was that less than 12 hours later I would have a little baby girl, Clara, at 28 weeks pregnant.

The last month was spent in the Rotunda Maternity Hospital, more specifically in the neonatal intensive care unit watching my little girl grow and I really want to thank everyone for the good wishes and all the prayers for Clara and I.

I literally fell off the face of the Earth a month ago, with a very strange entrance into motherhood and everyone picked up the pieces around me. My husband Andy doesn’t often come to these meetings but he was at my last one as mayor and I want to thank him for his support.”