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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Outgoing Cathaoirleach Michael Doyle with his successor Michael McCarthy
Fianna Fáil councillor, Michael McCarthy has described his election to Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council as a 'watershed moment' for him personally.
Cllr McCarthy was proposed by Cllr Peter 'Chap' Cleere (FF) and seconded by Cllr Mary Hilda Cavanagh (FG) at a meeting of the local authority earlier this afternoon (Friday).
The proud Freshford man has been a member of Kilkenny County Council since 2014 and he has served as Cathaoirleach of the Castlecomer Municipal District in recent years.
Addressing councillors at today's meeting of Kilkenny County Council, Mr McCarthy set out his stall for the next 12 months, where amongst his targets; he intends to tackle the issue of vacant homes and derelict premises, assist in local flood relief programmes and advocate for more rural services.
The North Kilkenny councillor told his fellow council representatives he will have an open door policy from early morning to late at night, adding, it's 'imperative' as a council everyone works together.
The occasion proved to be an emotional and heartwarming experience for McCarthy on a personal level, stating he was 'humbled' and 'greatly honoured'.
Mr McCarthy went on to congratulate his predecessor Cllr Michael Doyle and thank Peter 'Chap' Cleere and the 'iron lady from Kilkenny' Mary Hilda Cavanagh for nominating him to the post.
The former Kilkenny minor hurler and selector also paid tribute to Chief Executive of Kilkenny County Council, Lar Power as well as his wife Patricia, many loved ones and friends.
Cllr Peter 'Chap' Cleere described his party colleague as an 'incredible councillor' with great 'genuineness, humility and honesty.'
Cllr Cleere also acknowledged McCarthy's three great loves - Family, Fianna Fáil and Freshford.
"He will be a fantastic role mode for Kilkenny," the Fianna Fáil councillor concluded.
Ireland's longest serving councillor and Fine Gael representative in the Castlecomer Local Electoral Area (LEA) alongside Mr McCarthy, Mary Hilda Cavanagh echoed 'Chap's' sentiments, praising the newly appointed Cathaoirleach for his contribution in the same position in the Castlecomer LEA during two separate terms.
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The Class of 2024/2025 - Elected members of Kilkenny County Council
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