Fianna Fáil councillor Paddy Farrell has been elected as cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council.
He was elected unanimously at their council’s annual meeting in Carrick-on-Shannon today.
He was proposed by his party colleague Seán McGowan, seconded by another colleague, Mary Bohan, and deemed elected.
Several councillors congratulated him on his appointment and wished him well.
His Fianna Fáil colleague Gary Prior has been elected leas-cathaoirleach.
They’ll both hold their roles for one year.
Our reporter Eoghan Murphy spoke to both councillors after their appointments – and we first hear from Councillor Farrell:
Finishing his term as cathaoirleach, Councillor Paddy O'Rourke said it was "an honour" to hold the role.
He said he had a busy year and that his family helped to make it possible.
He said the highlight was welcoming home the Leitrim ladies footballers after they won the All-Ireland Intermediate title last August.
Fine Gael councillor Enda McGloin said he was a very fair chairman and carried out the role with great enthusiasm.
Fianna Fáil councillor Mary Bohan said Councillor O'Rourke was a great ambassador for Leitrim over the year.
Independent councillor Enda Stenson said he had a wonderful way with words, and thanked him sincerely.
Chief executive Joseph Gilhooly thanked Councillor O'Rourke for his courtesy and his professional during his term, and presented him with a scrapbook of highlights of his role as cathaoirleach.
