From Coolaney to Council Chamber: Dara Mulvey joins select group to hold Cathaoirleach role twice

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Coolaney’s Dara Mulvey was today elected as Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council for the forthcoming year and in doing so joins a unique group who bear the distinction of twice holding the position.

Fine Gael’s Cllr Mulvey succeeds Cllr Donal Gilroy who received warm plaudits from his fellow Councillors and Sligo County Council Chief Executive Martin Lydon for the manner in which he carried out his duties over the past 12 months.

Cllr Gilroy’s dedication, professionalism and his service to the Council and people of Sligo were all highlighted. As Cllr Gilroy prepared to take his seat with his fellow Councillors, Cllr Barry Gallagher commented, “You were very professional in everything you did. Well done, you can relax with us now.”

It was the greatest honour of my life and for that I will be eternally grateful

Cllr Mulvey was proposed for the position of Cathaoirleach by Cllr Thomas Walsh and seconded by Cllr Fergal Nealon.

Cllr Mulvey, who previously held the role in 2020 defeated Cllr Gino O’Boyle by 13 votes to four, with one Councillor absent.

Prior to the ceremonial handing over of the chain of office, Cllr Gilroy reflected on his 12 months in the hot seat saying, “It was the greatest honour of my life and for that I will be eternally grateful.”

We can and must continue to build a county that is inclusive and forward thinking.”

Surrounded by family and friends, including Minister of State Frank Feighan and former Minister John Perry, Cathaoirleach Mulvey spoke of his pride at being elected to the position of Cathaoirleach adding, “I will try to be firm but fair. We can and must continue to build a county that is inclusive and forward thinking.”

The tributes to Cllr Mulvey were warm and heartfelt with many references made from colleagues and political rivals to the friendships that Cllr Mulvey has formed within the Council Chamber.

Cllr Mulvey’s work ethic was also highlighted with Cllr Ann Higgins commenting, “I am genuinely delighted for you. I always found him caring, kind and full of craic. He doesn’t take himself too seriously. He is very professional, very focused and very dedicated. I am delighted for you.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Cllr Gerard Mullaney who remarked, “He is a very hard worker, you have proven ability to do the job.”

Cllr Mullaney also congratulated Cllr Mulvey’s family and supporters noting, “His commitment to his home area of Coolaney is extraordinary. No doubt you are going to have a fantastic year.”

Newly elected Cathaoirleach Dara Mulvey is congratulated by Leas-Cathaoirleach Thomas Walsh

Cllr Declan Bree noted that Cllr Mulvey is the first Coolaney native to hold the position adding, “You have been honest and trustworthy and that is important in politics today. You didn’t get a proper opportunity to exercise the role in 2020.”

Cllr Michael Clarke also expressed his best wishes to Cathaoirleach Mulvey saying, “It is a great honour the Council have chosen you for a second time. We were both elected on the same day and you have been more than a politician, you have been a great friend. I am looking forward to a very positive year for you, your family and the whole county.”

Chief Executive Martin Lydon also congratulated Cathaoirleach Mulvey noting “good karma” surrounding his appointment when he commented, “You will see projects you announced funding for (in previous term as Cathaoirleach) coming to fruition.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.