By Avril Horan

A BID to scrap the word ‘Worship’ from the Mayoral title was defeated by Galway City Council — despite initial support at committee level.

The proposal by Mayor of Galway City Cllr Mike Cubbard (Ind) to abolish the term was rejected at this month’s meeting, as elected representatives defended the tradition.

Mayor Cubbard has expressed discomfort with the formality of the term and spoke previously to this newspaper about his request to remove the title.

“It’s the one title I do not like, ‘His Worship’,” he said.

“If there was one thing I would do, it would be to get rid of it. It’s outdated. It hasn’t changed in decades, and I don’t know that it needs to be there. It’s quite awkward at public events.”

Initially, his proposal was met with success. A meeting of the Procedures Committee in October supported replacing ‘Worship’ with ‘Méara Chathair na Gaillimhe’.

However, when the matter came before the full City Council, the mood shifted.

Cllr Clodagh Higgins (FG) led the opposition to the move, insisting the title was not problematic, and should be preserved.

“During my term, I was referred to as ‘Your Worship’ maybe ten times max,” she said.

“It’s not an issue. It does not affect day-to-day life. It’s tradition. It represents respect and the history of the Council and our city. It doesn’t elevate any person. It honours the office.”

She warned against reshaping tradition based on personal taste and urged the Council to “keep the history including retaining the title”.

“What’s stopping the next Mayor from removing the Chain because they don’t like wearing it?” she said.

“It’s not about personal preferences. I am not in favour of reducing the traditions of the Council when they have no impact.”

Party colleague Cllr Frank Fahy (FG) also advocated to keep the title, saying that if it was abolished “we will all end up in tracksuits”.

“Having served as Mayor,” he said, “it is a huge honour. Who am I to decide for the future Mayors of the City? I advocate to leave it as it and to translate it into Irish as appropriate.”

Mayor Cubbard pushed back, stressing that he was not proposing to remove the ceremonial robes, or Chain of office.

“I personally find it awkward,” he explained.

“I am entitled to my opinion and there is no proposal to remove the robe and Chain. I will not be mocked by anyone.”

In the end, Councillors voted in favour of keeping the traditional ‘His/Her Worship’ title, overturning the Committee’s earlier agreement.

Separately, Cllr Donal Lyons (Ind) asked to explore the cost of creating a duplicate Sword and Mace for the Mayor to use at official functions.

Alternatively, he asked that the original be taken out of the Museum on occasion.

“There are only three or four occasions in the year where it’s part of a procession,” he said.

“Take it out of the Museum and have it part and parcel of tradition.”

However, the Executive said that the historical originals should remain preserved at the Galway City Museum.

“We wouldn’t want it to be taken out again,” officials advised.

Cllr Lyons noted that other cities continue to use their ceremonial pieces.

“Other cities have the Sword and Mace at various functions,” he said.

“Why are we different? We are 800 years old; Dublin is longer. They have theirs on display and use them on occasions.”

■ Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.

Pictured: Mayor of Galway City Cllr Mike Cubbard