‘Delighted’ Turlough McGovern is elected as new chairperson of Granard municipal district

Granard Councillor Turlough McGovern said he was 'delighted' to be appointed Cathaoirleach of Granard Municipal District for the next 12-months.

The Independent representative took over the chain from outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Garry Murtagh at the annual general meeting of the area on Monday.

Cllr Murtagh was elected as Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council the previous Friday.

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Cllr McGovern, who has been a county councillor for six years, was proposed by Cllr Pádraig McNamara who stated he had 'years of experience' and there was no better man for the position.

Cllr McGovern was seconded for the role by Cllr Colin Dalton who wished him well and said he was looking forward to working with him.

Cllr McGovern thanked Cllr McNamara and Cllr Dalton and everyone who had supported him. "I am delighted to be appointed as Cathaoirleach of Granard Municipal District.

"I was to thank the outdoor staff and the indoor staff, since I was elected in 2019 I haven't a bad word to say about any of them.

"I also want to thank Garry on doing a great job as chairman and I'm sure he'll put Longford and particularly North Longford on the map."

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Cllr Garry Murtagh nominated Cllr Pádraig McNamara, who was watching remotely, for the Leas Cathaoirleach role and he said he felt his Fine Gael party colleague had all the attributes to be a big success.

Cllr Colin Dalton seconded the nomination.

Cllr McNamara said he was very pleased to take on the deputy role. "I am delighted to get the Leas Cathaoirleach position and I look forward to doing lots of stuff for Granard MD."

Director of Services Barbara Heslin praised Cllr Murtagh and referred to the successful collaboration and engagement during the past year and said she was looking forward to continuing that with Cllr McGovern.

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Fianna Fáil Cllr David Cassidy congratulated Cllr McGovern on his new position and Cllr Murtagh on becoming chair of the local authority and he said it was great to see a North Longford man 'with the chain'.

MAIN PHOTO CAPTION: Back Row: David Coppinger, Senior Executive Engineer, Granard Municipal District, Cllr Garry Murtagh, Cllr Colin Dalton, Cllr David Cassidy, David Plunkett, Claire McNabola, Louise Connaughton; Longford County Council. Front Row: Meetings Administrator Lorraine McKee, Cathaoirleach Cllr Turlough McGovern and Director of Services Barbara Heslin at the recent AGM of Granard Municipal District Picture: Shelley Corcoran Photography