Killaloe & Shannon AGMs Both See New Cathaoirleachs Appointed

The incoming Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe Municipal District  has pledged to continue the "harmony" in East Clare local politics while standing against plans that could harm the region.    Fine Gael Councillor Pat Burke has handed the chain of office to Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O'Brien who'll take his fourth turn in the Cathaoirleach's chair since first being elected in 2004.    The Killaloe native, who previously served as a National Bus and Rail Union official, was also Mayor of Clare from 2022 to 2023.    The changing of the guard took place at the annual general meeting of Killaloe MD in the Killaloe/Ballina Community and Family Resource Centre.    Clare FM's Seán Lyons went along and spoke to the new Cathaoirleach who expressed that it was the perfect setting for the occasion.  Meanwhile, in the Shannon Municipal District, Clonlara Independent Councillor Michael Begley has been appointed Cathaoirleach for the second time in three years.     He succeeds Cllr John Crowe in the role and will be supported by Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr David Griffin.     Cllr Begley has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan about the areas where he wants to see improvements. Photo (c) kasto via Canva