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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Councillor Niamh Kennedy, the new Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, with outgoing Cathaoirleach Councillor Martin Harley. Photo: Thomas Gallagher
Councillor Niamh Kennedy has been elected as the new Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council.
The Killybegs-based representative succeeded Councillor Martin Harley as the county's first citizen at the first meeting of the new Council on Friday in Lifford.
Councillor Kennedy becomes the fourth woman elected to the role – and the first Independent – after Maureen Doohan, Cora Harvey and Rena Donaghey.
Letterkenny Fine Gael Councillor Jimmy Kavanagh was elected as Leas Cathaoirleach.
Councillor Kennedy was proposed by Councillor Pauric McGarvey and seconded by Councillor Martin Farren.
Newly-elected Councillor Tomas Sean Devine from the 100% Redress party was proposed by Councillor Frank McBrearty and seconded by Councillor Micheal Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig.
Councillor Kennedy received 27 votes with Councillor Devine receiving nine.
A group consisting of the four 100% Redress councillors as well as Councillors McBrearty, Mac Giolla Easbuig, Michael McBride, Declan Meehan and Jimmy Brogan voted for Councillor Devine.
Councillor Kennedy received 27 votes in her favour.
“I am honoured and delighted to be in this position,” Councillor Kennedy said.
“It is so important that we work together. We need to put Donegal first and ensure that we get the best for our county.
“It is great that we became friends and we have a really good working relationship with Donegal County Council. We can do well again this term.”
Councillor Kennedy was first elected to Donegal County Council in 2014 and retained her seat in 2019 and again at the recent elections. She was Leas Cathaoirleach in 2019.
She said: “We will make a good job of this.
“I want to thank my own family and friends. It was a tough election for us all. Congratulations to the new councillors. It is not an easy thing to do, stand before the electorate and ask for a number 1 vote.
“Keep representing your communities to the best of your abilities. If you be sincere, honest and respectful for the people you represent, that's all that can be asked of you.”
The election of Councillor Jimmy Kavanagh as Leas Cathaoirleach was proposed by Councillor Martin Harley and seconded by Councillor Manus Boyle.
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