Unveiling of Plaque in Honour of Dedicated Public Representative Noel Collins
Mayor of the County Cllr. Danny Collins proudly unveiled a commemorative plaque in memory of the late Noel Collins, who served as a member of the Council from 1967 to 2022. Noel Collins was a true champion of the people, dedicating his life to public service and advocating for the welfare of his community.
Noel Collins, hailed from Lusk, Co. Dublin, began his career as a social worker, a role that shaped his compassionate approach to public office. Throughout his tenure, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting the marginalized and ensuring social justice prevailed.
On June 12th, 2017, Noel celebrated an extraordinary milestone of 50 years of unbroken service as a public representative, a testament to his unwavering dedication. Fellow Councillors fondly referred to him as the "father of Cork County Council," acknowledging his unparalleled commitment to social justice, extensive local knowledge, mentorship of younger colleagues, and his unique approach of holding public clinics.
Unveiling the plaque, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Danny Collins said
I am delighted to unveil this plaque in honour of the longest serving, most dedicated Public Servant both the county and country have ever seen. It was an honour and a privilege to have known the man and my colleagues would concur. I think such a level of service and unwavering dedication to the public will never again be seen.
Notably, Noel Collins accomplished all this without driving, using a phone, or having a computer. His preferred mode of communication was a typewriter and handwritten letters, which he employed to great effect, winning the hearts and minds of all those he encountered.
Noel's remarkable career spanned 55 years, during which he witnessed numerous changes locally and globally. His legacy stands as a testament to the power of the written word, freedom of speech, and an unwavering dedication to public service.