New Paddy, Same Seat: Cllr Paddy Farrell elected Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council

Fianna Fáil councillor Paddy Farrell was elected Chairperson of Leitrim County Council for the next 12 months during the Council’s Annual Meeting this afternoon.

Cllr Farrell is now the first councillor from Leitrim Village to take on the role of Cathaoirleach. He succeeds Carrigallen man Cllr Paddy O’Rourke, who served in the role since last June.

Currently serving his second term on Leitrim County Council, Cllr Farrell previously held the position of Cathaoirleach of the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District, before handing over the reins to Cllr Maeve Reynolds earlier this month.

Cllr Farrell was proposed for the Cathaoirleach position by Cllr Sean McGowan, who said it was a “great pleasure” to nominate his colleague and noted that Cllr Farrell “works extremely hard and is always calm.” The proposal was seconded by Cllr Mary Bohan.

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Cllr Farrell thanked members for their unanimous support and noted he is the first person from Leitrim Village to hold the role. He also acknowledged the recent passing of Aoife Treacy from Leitrim Village, extending condolences on behalf of the Council. “This week a dark cloud of sadness lies over the area due to the death of a young mother. On behalf of Leitrim County Council and all the members, and myself we would like to offer our deepest sympathy to the whole family,” he said.

Looking ahead to the coming year, he remarked, “I come from a Republican Fianna Fáil background on both sides of the family. Anyone that knows me, knows I don’t take politics too seriously. I’m a great believer in democracy so I promise to be as fair as possible to all the members.”

He acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor, saying he has “big boots to fill” following Cllr O’Rourke’s tenure. “We have one of the best Councils in the country and I would like to thank all the staff for their hard work and dedication. Thank you all,” he concluded.

The election of Leas Cathaoirleach followed, with Cllr McGowan passing the role to Cllr Gary Prior. Cllr Prior was proposed by Cllr O’Rourke and seconded by Cllr Justin Warnock.

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Serving his first term on Leitrim County Council after being elected last June, Cllr Prior was also elected as Cathaoirleach of the Ballinamore Municipal District on Monday.

“From my own behalf I’d like to congratulate Paddy on the election of Cathaoirleach. I look forward to helping you and the executives on the Council and promoting all the good of County Leitrim,” Cllr Prior said.

Back Row L-R: Cllr Brendan Barry, Cllr Felim Gurn, Cllr Eddie Mitchell, Cllr Pádraig Fallon, Cllr Róisín Kenny, Cllr Enda Stenson, Cllr Maeve Reynolds, Cllr Enda McGloin, Cllr Justin Warnock, Cllr Paddy O’Rourke and Cllr James Gilmartin.

Front Row L-R: Cllr Mary Bohan, Cllr Irene Guckian-Rabbitte, Cllr Gary Prior (Leas Cathaoirleach), Cllr Paddy Farrell (Cathaoirleach), CEO Joseph Gilhooly, Cllr Ita Reynolds-Flynn and Cllr Sean McGowan.