Youghal woman is new Mayor of County Cork

By Peter McCarthy, Corkman

Independent Councillor Mary Lenihan-Foley has been elected Mayor of the County of Cork. First elected to Youghal Town Council in 1999 and Cork County Council in 2014, she already served as County Mayor in 2020-21, becoming the first woman to do so since the Council was established in 1899.

Cllr Lenihan-Foley comes from a political family with her grandfather and father both having served as members of Youghal Town Council. She was also the first Lady Mayor of the seaside East Cork town and has held that role three times.

Cllr Linehan Foley was born and raised in Youghal where she lives with her husband John. They have five children and six grandchildren.

She takes over as Mayor from West Cork Councillor Joe Carroll and will serve in the role for the next year. Following her election, Cllr Lenihan-Foley thanked her family and friends and her fellow Councillors for their support during her 26 years in politics and paid tribute to the outgoing Mayor.

“It's a tremendous honour to be elected Mayor of the County of Cork and even a greater privilege to wear this historic chain of office for the second time. The last time I had the honour of serving as Mayor was in June 2020. A time when the world looked very, very different. Our roads were empty and every meeting was held online,” Cllr Lenihan-Foley said.

“My family had to endure endless Council sessions from our living room. This time around, I'm especially looking forward to forging more personal connections with my fellow elected members and with communities across every corner of County Cork.

“Those who know me will tell you I'm straight-talking and honest. I come from humble beginnings. I was always the wild one growing up, always talking. And to be fair, I've never stopped.

"Now, I speak on behalf of the people of County Cork. And that is a responsibility I will embrace with pride. Today, I pledge to uphold the principles of this office and to serve the people of Cork to the best of my ability.”

Cllr Lenihan-Foley said her priority during her term will be to support increased housing supply and better transport infrastructure, such as an upgrade to the N25 between Youghal and Midleton as well as improved public transport links between towns and villages and commuter hubs such as Midleton and Mallow.

Cllr Lenihan-Foley was proposed by Cllr Alan Coleman and seconded by Cllr Patrick Gerard Murphy. Charleville-based Councillor Ian Doyle (Fianna Fáil) was elected Deputy Mayor of County Cork.