Councillor to resign to relocate to Switzerland

A Kerry politician, who was co-opted to Killarney Town Council following the sudden death of his father in 2009, has confirmed that he will resign his seat at a meeting of the local authority on Monday night.

Hugh Courtney, who was due to become mayor of his hometown next year, said his decision is due to work commitments.

An accountant by profession, he has been offered a role leading a financial team for an American multi-national company and the post will involve extensive travel throughout Europe.

Mr Courtney, in his mid-30s, is relocating to Switzerland with wife Tara and their two children.

He joined the council as an independent in March 2009 following the death of his father, Michael Courtney, who had served on the local authority for 35 years.

“I loved my time on the council. However, my life is now taking me further away from Killarney,” said Mr Courtney. He is currently based in Carrigtwohill, Co Cork, from where he has been making the 170km round trip to Killarney for monthly council meetings.

It is understood another member of the Courtney family will be co-opted to fill the council seat in June.