Lord Mayor holds event to honour Cork city sheriff and election returning officer on his retirement

A civic reception was held in Cork yesterday in honour of Cork city sheriff and returning officer, Martin A Harvey.

The ceremony, hosted at City Hall by the Lord Mayor of Cork councillor Dan Boyle, was aimed at highlighting Mr Harvey’s more than three decades of service.

Mr Harvey served as the city sheriff for more than 30 years, and as part of that role, also acted as returning officer.

In November of last year, some 35 years after his first election, Mr Harvey oversaw his last election as Cork city returning officer at the Nemo Rangers count centre.

Speaking ahead of the reception, Mr Boyle said it was important that Mr Harvey, who he described as a “custodian of our democratic process”, be recognised for the work he has done.

“I am delighted to be able to honour Martin and his team here in City Hall, to acknowledge his service as Cork city’s returning officer and sheriff. 

“Any of us with an interest or involvement in elections in Cork will be familiar with Martin’s reassuring, calm presence at count centres in the city for more than three decades.

“As custodian of our democratic process, Martin’s integrity, his openness and transparency has earned him the respect of everyone involved in politics — I wish him and his family well for the future,” he said.

Chief executive of Cork City Council, Valerie O’Sullivan, echoed these sentiments.

“I want to congratulate Martin on over 30 years of public service.

“Martin is a hugely experienced returning officer who has overseen countless Dáil and European elections with integrity and professionalism,” Ms O’Sullivan said.

“He always worked collaboratively with our own team in City Hall and on behalf of us all, I wish Martin, his team, and his family, the very best for the future.”