One door closes and another opens as new Kilkenny County Council term begins

It was a day of endings and new beginnings at the first meeting of Kilkenny County Council since the local elections on Friday, June 21.

The day marked Michael Doyle’s (FG) final day as cathaoirleach after serving his 12 month term in the post, while five new county councillors took their seats for the first time.

Addressing last week’s sitting of the local authority, the Fine Gael representative thanked all of his council colleagues for their support, paying special tributes to Leas-Cathaoirleach John Coonan, Mayor Joe Malone and CEO, Lar Power.

"I hope I was fair to everyone," Mr Doyle concluded.

The occasion also gave Doyle’s council colleagues across the political divide an opportunity to reflect on his tenure.

Fianna Fáil’s Cllr Andrew McGuinness commended his 'fantastic service' as a councillor, while party colleague, Cllr Peter 'Chap' Cleere stated, "he put his heart and soul into it."

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Fianna Fáil councillor and Mayor of Kilkenny City, Joe Malone worked closely with Mr Doyle over the past year, describing him as a 'quiet and unassuming man' where they both achieved a lot despite being members of different political parties.

Mr Doyle’s party colleague, Cllr Mary Hilda Cavanagh gave a glowing assessment of his term, praising his 'fair' and 'efficient manner', adding, "he was a brilliant representative at home and abroad."

Members of the Executive of Kilkenny County Council also expressed their gratitude to Cllr Doyle on the day.

CEO of the county council, Lar Power commented: "Michael represented the people of the city and county exceptionally well."