It's reported in the local newspapers that all going well tonight,Cllr. Brendan Heneghan will become Mayor of Castlebar,following in the footsteps of his late father John,who held the office of Chairman of C/bar U.D.C.in the past.Congratulations to him in advance.
The process of becoming Mayor/Chairman is much simpler now,in that all is needed is a majority of votes and the person is deemed to be Mayor.One hundred years ago,the nominee had to hold a bible in their hand & swear an oath of allegiance before a Magistrate.
The oath to be taken went "I,____ ___, of Castlebar, in the Co. Mayo, do swear I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to his Majesty King Edward VII,his heirs and successors, according to law,so help my God."
The applicant also became a Justice of the Peace,by virtue of his office as Chairman of the U.D.C. and had to swear another oath.
!I ___ ___, of Castlebar, in the Co.Mayo, do swear that I will well & truly serve our Sovereign Lord,King Edward VII,in the office of Justice of the Peace for the Urban District of Castlebar,and that I will do right by all manner of people in accordiance with the laws & usuages of this realm,without fear,favour,affection,or ill-will,so help my God."They then had to kiss the bible and were declared Chairman.