Conaghan takes over the hot seat of Donegal Municipal District

Donegal Town’s Cllr Tom Conaghan (Ind.) took the hot seat at today's AGM of the Donegal Municipal District held at the public services centre in Drumlonagher.

It will of course, come as no surprise, as the stall of who would take over the reigns from outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Niamh Kennedy (Ind.) has been set up since an arrangement within the chamber following the last local elections held in 2019.

Indeed, Cllr Conaghan will now be the last incumbent in the chair in the advance of the next local elections, which are expected to be held next year, often thought as an advantage for those that will be competing in the following election. 

While the thunder could be heard outside, there was no repeat in the council chambers as Cllr Micheál Naughton (FF) and seconded by Cllr Barry Sweeny (FG), proposed Cllr Conaghan, who was elected unanimously.

In seconding Cllr Conaghan’s nomination, Cllr Sweeny said that Cllr Conaghan was a “good strong councillor”. And while not a man of many words at times, when he spoke, they were always “wise words” that he spoke and he wished him well in the chair.  

Noticeable by his absence was Cllr Michael McMahon (SF), who was unanimously elected Deputy Chair of the Donegal MD.

Cllr Micheál McMahon from Bundoran was elected Deputy Cathaoirleach at today's Donegal MD AGM

He was nominated by party colleague Noel Jordan and seconded by Cllr Naughton.

All those present wished him well after his recent hospitalisation, wishing him a speedy recovery, as they did with the Area Manager of the Donegal MD, Mr Pauric Sheerin, who was also unavoidably absent.

Glowing tributes were also paid to the work ethic and efficiency with which the outgoing Chair, Cllr Kennedy, had operated and overseen proceedings over the duration of her year in office, chairing at the top table.  

Cllr Conaghan thanked those who had elected him to the Chair and said that it was a great honour to be elected to the role.

“I will try my best to be fair in every way,” he said.

L-R: Garry Martin Director Designate, Municipal District of Donegal; Cllr Micheál Naughton, Cllr Noel Jordan, Cllr Tom Conaghan (new chairperson); Cllr Niamh Kennedy (outgoing chair); Julie McCann, Acting Area Manager, Donegal MD and Cllr Barry Sweeny.

Acutely ware that this was the last yearly term of the council with local elections planned for 2024, he said that there was “only so much cake and we will all want to be in, for a slice, or even two”, but he said that he was “proud” of the MD that he served and that while a lot had been done over the lifetime of the currant council, there “is a lot more to be done”.

He said that Cllr Kennedy would be a hard act to follow in the chair and that he also appreciated a call earlier in the day from Cllr McMahon, wishing him well in his new position. 

He said that having Donegal printed on it was good for the county and especially if it referenced the area of the Donegal MD. 

He looked forward to working with fellow councillors as well as the Directors and council management, who were always there to help.