In Reply to: Election question posted by Jim on September 21, 2012 at 15:17:21:

Urban Councils were created under the Local Government Act of 1898. First elections under the Act were held in March 1899. The township of Castlebar formally became an Urban District in April 1900 and immediately councillors used the chamber to press nationalist ideals.

By August of that year the council had agreed on a seal for the council which would incorporate the harp, shamrock, round tower and 'Castlebar Urban Council' in Irish characters despite the opposition of two members including unionist member Alexander Larminie. Councillors also agreed to refuse to use envelopes which were pre-stamped 'OHMS' (On Her Majesty's Service) as they believed themselves in the service of the ratepayer only.

Early members of the council included James Daly, A. Larminie, J. Faulkner, P. Timlin, M. Daly, TJ Loftus, J. Gavin, JR Flannery and M. Quinn.