Athy MD gets a new Cathaoirleach

TODAY the new Cathaoirleach of Athy Municipal District was announced for the upcoming year.

But before nominations came in and titles were passed over, the MD took time to review the past year under cllr Aoife Breslin – brushing on the plethora of successes within the MD under her leadership.

Cllr Breslin mentioned the major projects which have been progressed swiftly such as the regeneration of Emily Square, The Shackleton Museum, the Food and Drinks Hub, the Ardew lands project, and the improvements on the Barrow Blueway.

Cllrs thanked her for her service, noting the impact of her patience in leadership.

Cllr Veralouise Behan thanked cllr Breslin for the impact she has on women in politics and said: “You’re an inspiration to me,” and noted the past year as an “era to be proud of” for the MD.

It was then time for nominations of the next Cathaoirleach and Leas Cathaoirleach for Athy MD.

Cllr Mark Leigh, along with other elected members, nominated cllr Ivan Keatley for the position and said: “I have full confidence in his ability to move us forward.” Cllr Ivan Keatley then took the seat as voted in by his fellow Athy MD cllrs.

Cathaoirleach Keatley said: “It’s a really exciting time for Athy MD – not just to see projects coming to fruition, but to put good use to them.” 

“I really look forward to the year ahead.” 

Elected as Deputy Cathaoirleach was cllr Mark Leigh, who was described as being an “extremely competent and able colleague” by previous Cathaoirleach Aoife Breslin.

Both will carry on the good work of Athy MD into the next year, in which the completion of the Shackleton Museum and the Food and Drinks Hub, as well as other projects are expected to be seen.