Claude Toft
David Claude Toft (10 April 1922 – 3 December 1981) was the Mayor of Galway from July 1981 until his death..
Toft was born in Galway to Abby Toft of Dublin and Florence Piper of Tramore, County Waterford, and had siblings Kenneth and Maureen. The family were in the amusement business, the arcades they set up in Eyre Square during the Galway Races been especially remembered. The final two days takings of race week were always donated to charity.
A campaigner for Bobby Molloy since the 1960s brought him into the political arena, and he successfully contested the 1979 Galway Corporation elections. He was elected Mayor of Galway on 29 June 1981. Upon receiving the chain of office from Bridie O'Flaherty he joked "The only reason I'm taking on this job is to have the family name on the chain - isn't that perfectly understandable!" Already ill on the night of his election, Toft nonetheless continued in his duties, his last official function been an especially strenuous journey to New York for the Galwaymen's Association Centennial celebrations. He died on 3 December 1981 and was replaced in office by Michael D. Higgins. He was buried in New Cemetery, Bohermore, and was survived by his daughter Gillian, son-in-law James Cunningham and granddaughter Daisy.
References
- Role of Honour:The Mayors of Galway City 1485-2001, William Henry, Galway 2001.
External links
| Civic offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Bridie O'Flaherty |
Mayor of Galway July – December 1981 |
Succeeded by Michael D. Higgins |