Joe Malone elected as Kilkenny County Council Cathaoirleach

Fianna Fail’s Joe Malone has succeeded Fine Gael’s Mary Hilda Cavanagh as Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council.

The Kilkenny City-based member was nominated and seconded for the role by party colleagues, Councillors Andrew McGuinness and Joe Sheridan at County Hall this afternoon.

The new Cathaoirleach was joined by family and friends, along with colleagues from his career in the Defence Forces.

Cllr Malone has previously served as Mayor of Kilkenny City on two occasions but this election marks his first time to hold the Cathaoirleach’s seat.

He told KCLR’s Martin Quilty that a big year lies ahead for him as Kilkenny’s First Citizen.

Meanwhile, earlier this afternoon, another Fianna Fail Councillor, Pat Fitzpatrick, was elected as Cathaoirleach of the Castlecomer Municipal District.

He was proposed for the role by Cllr Mary Hilda Cavanagh (FG) and seconded by Cllr Michael Delaney (FF).

He told KCLR News that he was delighted and honoured by his election and was looking forward to engaging with organisations throughout the district.

From left: a proud Lil Fitzpatrick, Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick, Katie Carroll and Ann Marie, sister of Cllr Fitzpatrick. Photo Credit: Dermot Keyes / KCLR

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