There are five candidates in the running for Honorary Mayor of Donegal Town, with the election underway in the St John Bosco Centre. Each of the five people who have put themselves forward has proven track records in working towards the betterment of the community. The candidates are Billy Bustard, Justin Coughlin, Anna Gallagher, Ciara Martin and Gabriel O’ Donnell. Click on the arrows to find out more about each candidate and why they believe they deserve your vote The role is voluntary, and involves a major commitment for the two-year term. Current Mayor Pauric Kennedy began his tenure back in 2017. He has been a leading light through the challenging years of the pandemic, as well as being a wonderful ambassador during happier times for the community. READ NEXT: Countdown is on to the fabulous Killymard Lipsync Battle READ NEXT: Two candidates for co-option to council seat vacated by Senator Manus Boyle Mary McGettigan of Donegal Town Community Chamber said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank Pauric for his years of dedication as Mayor. He served the community very well and has been a fantastic figurehead for the town. “It has been a pleasure working with him, and we are very grateful for all that he has done in this voluntary role. I am sure we will be working with him again in some other capacity in the future, and we look forward to that and we thank him and wish him well.” Voting will take place in the St John Bosco Centre Donegal Town between 10am and 7pm this Friday, March 28. People should bring photo ID and proof of address. The results of the election will be announced following the vote count, estimated to be at around 8pm. All persons over 16 years of age resident in the specified electoral area and all businesses within the specified electoral area are eligible to vote. Please note that those who are eligible to vote under both criteria are only entitled to vote once. Follow Donegallive.ie for coverage of news, sport and events around Donegal

placeholder image — There are five candidates in the running for Honorary Mayor of Donegal Town, with the election underway in the St John Bosco Centre. Each of the five people who have put themselves forward has proven track records in working towards the betterment of the community. The candidates are Billy Bustard, Justin Coughlin, Anna Gallagher, Ciara Martin and Gabriel O’ Donnell. Click on the arrows to find out more about each candidate and why they believe they deserve your vote The role is voluntary, and involves a major commitment for the two-year term. Current Mayor Pauric Kennedy began his tenure back in 2017. He has been a leading light through the challenging years of the pandemic, as well as being a wonderful ambassador during happier times for the community. READ NEXT: Countdown is on to the fabulous Killymard Lipsync Battle READ NEXT: Two candidates for co-option to council seat vacated by Senator Manus Boyle Mary McGettigan of Donegal Town Community Chamber said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank Pauric for his years of dedication as Mayor. He served the community very well and has been a fantastic figurehead for the town. “It has been a pleasure working with him, and we are very grateful for all that he has done in this voluntary role. I am sure we will be working with him again in some other capacity in the future, and we look forward to that and we thank him and wish him well.” Voting will take place in the St John Bosco Centre Donegal Town between 10am and 7pm this Friday, March 28. People should bring photo ID and proof of address. The results of the election will be announced following the vote count, estimated to be at around 8pm. All persons over 16 years of age resident in the specified electoral area and all businesses within the specified electoral area are eligible to vote. Please note that those who are eligible to vote under both criteria are only entitled to vote once. Follow Donegallive.ie for coverage of news, sport and events around Donegal

Donegal Town mayor election taking place - meet the candidates

By Siobhán McNamara

DonegalLive multimedia journalist

Published 28th Mar 2025, 11:33 GMT

Here are the five people who are hoping to get your vote to represent Donegal Town in the capacity of honorary mayor

5.

I have lived, worked and volunteered within the Donegal Town Community all my life and am now retired. Married to Geraldine for 46 years and we have a son Ryan, daughter-in-law Sarah and we have two loving granddaughters Fiadh and Aoife I worked in Magee Clothing Ltd. (30yrs.) and Donegal Town Credit Union Ltd, 15 years volunteering and 18 years as an employee. Organisations that I have been a volunteer and those I am now associated with:Donegal Educational & Training Board (ETB) Board of Management Member (2014 – 2019)Donegal ETB – Audit & Risk Committee (2019 – Present)Leghowney Community Hall Committee (Present)Barnesmore, Leghowney & Townawilly Community Alert (Present)Donegal Town Credit Union – Chairperson 1997-2000; Treasurer 2000-2002; Supervisory Committee Chairperson (15 years)Donegal Town Credit Union Youth Committee (1992- 2022) – Schools, Special Needs Art & Quiz Competitions Co-ordinator.St Francis NS, Barnesmore – Treasurer 1994 -2000; Chairperson 2010 – 2020; Treasurer 2020 - 2024Four Masters GAA & LGFA Club – Bord na Og – Team Management and Treasurer (11 years) Club Referee (16 yearsAbbey Vocational School – Board of Management Member (5 years)Drumbar Football Club - Team Management & Treasurer (11 years)Money Advice Bureau (MABS) (10 years)St. John Bosco Committee & Athletic ClubDonegal Drama Circle (Founder Member)Leghowney DramaSt Agatha’s Church Finance Committee (Treasurer) Hobbies:Walking, hiking, singing (Donegal Abbey Singers and St Agatha’s Church Choir), volunteer for litter lifting (Donegal Tidy Towns), gardening.

Donegal Town

Donegal Town mayor election taking place - meet the candidates

Here are the five people who are hoping to get your vote to represent Donegal Town in the capacity of honorary mayor

5.

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