Shelia Jordan
Encyclopedia
Shelia Jordan was the Mayor of Galway
from 1977–1978.
A native of Lower Salthill
and later Raleigh Row, Jordan was the fourth of seven children to Patrick Walsh and Sabina Coyne. Patrick was a Sergeant Major
with the Connaught Rangers and fought during the Gallipoli Campaign. Two of his brothers, Michael and Peter, were killed in action. Upon returning, Patrick Walsh became a tailor
. In 1945 she married John Jordan from Galway's Abbey Lane. Their children were Mary, Gerard, Hilary and John.
She served as chairperson and secretary of the Woodquay and District Residents Association, and this was her route into city politics. She was the third elected candidate in the 1974 elections, and became Mayor in 1977.
During her Mayoralty she entertained the French, British and Russian ambassadors. A notable occurrence during her term was her attendance, with her husband John, to services held by the Church of Ireland
on three different occasions. The preacher on the last occasion memorably stated that "if one leaves the door open, you will never know just who might walk in."
Mayor of Galway
The office of Mayor of Galway is an honorific title used by the of Galway City Council. The Council has jurisdiction throughout its administrative area which is the city of Galway – the largest city in the province of Connacht, in the Republic of Ireland. The office was originally established by a...
from 1977–1978.
A native of Lower Salthill
Salthill
Salthill is a seaside area of Galway city, Ireland. It lies within the townland of Lenaboy and attracts many tourists all year round...
and later Raleigh Row, Jordan was the fourth of seven children to Patrick Walsh and Sabina Coyne. Patrick was a Sergeant Major
Sergeant Major
Sergeants major is a senior non-commissioned rank or appointment in many militaries around the world. In Commonwealth countries, Sergeants Major are usually appointments held by senior non-commissioned officers or warrant officers...
with the Connaught Rangers and fought during the Gallipoli Campaign. Two of his brothers, Michael and Peter, were killed in action. Upon returning, Patrick Walsh became a tailor
Tailor
A tailor is a person who makes, repairs, or alters clothing professionally, especially suits and men's clothing.Although the term dates to the thirteenth century, tailor took on its modern sense in the late eighteenth century, and now refers to makers of men's and women's suits, coats, trousers,...
. In 1945 she married John Jordan from Galway's Abbey Lane. Their children were Mary, Gerard, Hilary and John.
She served as chairperson and secretary of the Woodquay and District Residents Association, and this was her route into city politics. She was the third elected candidate in the 1974 elections, and became Mayor in 1977.
During her Mayoralty she entertained the French, British and Russian ambassadors. A notable occurrence during her term was her attendance, with her husband John, to services held by the Church of Ireland
Church of Ireland
The Church of Ireland is an autonomous province of the Anglican Communion. The church operates in all parts of Ireland and is the second largest religious body on the island after the Roman Catholic Church...
on three different occasions. The preacher on the last occasion memorably stated that "if one leaves the door open, you will never know just who might walk in."