New Donegal Cathaoirleach reminds public ‘there’s always hope’ - Donegal News

THE new Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council has opened up about mental health and reminded people that “there’s always hope”.

The message came from Cllr Gary Doherty after he was elected Cathaoirleach earlier today.

Sinn Féin Cllr Doherty has served on Donegal County Council since 2013 and has been Cathaoirleach of the Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District three times.

The Castlefinn councillor spoke of his pride in being an Irish Republican, his strong belief in social justice and equality for all and the support of his family.

Cllr Doherty also spoke openly about mental health, having previously taken some time out from politics in 2022 due to stress and anxiety.

Speaking to the Donegal News after his election, Cllr Doherty said he felt it was important to be an example to people who may be struggling.

“Like a lot of people, I’ve had my own health issues over the years and we keep talking about being open about mental health challenges when they happen and facing them up front,” he said.

“One of the messages that I wanted to convey today was that for others who may be out there that may be thinking that the brighter days are behind them, that’s not the case.

“There’s always hope and there are always brighter days ahead. If I can be a small example of that today then it’s all about spreading that awareness, the old saying that it’s okay not to be okay and that people should be empowered to be able to say that.”

He added: “This is only the beginning of my work over the next year and I make the pledge again to do what I can over the next year to to promote Donegal to its fullest and to present the county in its best light, whether that’s at an event here in Castlefinn or whether it’s further afield. It’s as long as we put our best foot forward as a county.”

Cllr Doherty was proposed to the role of Cathaoirleach by his party colleague, Cllr Dakota Nic Mheanman and was seconded by Cllr Gerry McMonagle, also of Sinn Féin.

The role of Leas Cathaoirleach went to Sinn Féin Cllr Terry Crossan, who was proposed by party colleagues Cllr Albert Doherty and seconded by Cllr Jack Murray.

Cllr Crossan said it was an “honour and a privilege” to become the new Leas Cathaoirleach.

Cllr Gary Doherty was joined in County House Lifford by his wife Louise and three children, Darragh, Aoife and Conor, his two sisters Lisa and Michelle and extended family and friends.

He paid tribute to his late parents and said they would have been “incredibly proud” of the occasion.

“Like all parents, they made sacrifices for me and Lisa and Michelle and they shaped the person that I became,” said Cllr Doherty.

“My father died 28 years ago, so he never lived he never lived to see his grandchildren, let alone any of this, but we only lost Mum 18 months ago and she was my biggest support and always encouraged me at every stage, so my only regret about today is that she didn’t live to see it, but wherever she is today, I know she’ll be beaming with pride.”

Councillors extended their congratulations to the Cathaoirleach and Leas Cathaoirleach on their new roles.

Outgoing Cathaoirleach Paul Canning and Leas Cathaoirleach Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly were also praised for their commitment and leadership throughout the year.

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