Cllr Mary Hilda-Cavanagh - Holding her own as a woman in Kilkenny politics

Cllr Mary Hilda Cavanagh is the country's longest serving female councillor, joining Kilkenny County Council in 1974, serving two terms as Chairperson.

On Friday, the North Kilkenny councillor was elected to Cathaoirleach for the third time, as her family watched on from the gallery with pride.

So, as Cllr Cavanagh celebrates over 50 years in office, how did a young, up and coming coming councillor from Galmoy cope stepping into political life. 

READ MORE: Kilkenny's Mary Hilda Cavanagh elected to top council job 

"In the beginning, I didn't know how I was going to get my head around anything. And then, one man told me to keep my mouth shut for six months until I learned something because I gave my opinion one day. So, I did keep it closed for a while but if a subject came up that I felt strongly about I spoke and the more you speak, the more you learn. And as you learn, you get more and more confidence. Like you get to know how the system works. You get to know the efficiency, In the beginning, you haven't a clue, but it's like in any job you learn on the job," she said.

Despite a rude awakening to political life, even in those humble beginnings, Cavanagh never felt inferior to her male colleagues.

"I think the very opposite, people thought I was the kind of a novelty candidate, because there was a woman and a young woman. Because really, I had done nothing to deserve it. For people to vote for me, I was just starting out, all I could do was promise to work hard for them, which I promised. I'd like to think that I've done that. For the last 49 years, I have worked hard, I always follow a path that I'm asked to follow up."

And although inferiority didn't cross her mind, one role model proved to be a perfect example.

"I'd like to think that I was treated with respect at all times by my colleagues. There was one other lady there who had been in politics in the Borough Council but she'd been a mayor already at that stage and she was elected chairperson in 1974. She was a formidable woman who was fearless and I thought I learned an awful lot from her but I don't think we were looked down on or not respected in any sense of the word. The fact that I've been elected nine times in a row shows that people, still put their trust in a woman."

The local representative's success has led to an illustrious political career but how can other women follow suit?

"I'd say to people look after the day job, first of all, because you won't pay a mortgage on our salary, the first 25 years I was in politics, there was no salary, but the job was very much a part time job, it would be incredibly difficult to do the job properly and be in a full time job at the moment," the Kilkenny councillor commented.

Currently only 26% of county councillors in Ireland are female and there are only four female Councillors out of 24 or 17% in County Kilkenny and the Galmoy councillor believes dispelling the fears that surround politics is key to more women entering roles.

"In general, you have to compete for your job every five years. And if you give up your day job, and you lose your seat, which could happen to anybody at any stage, you're out of work so don't be afraid to go into politics but don't expect too much from it either and be prepared to work and to listen, be empathetic with people, be patient and learn."

"If you think you can make a difference to how a county is run and how a country is run don't be afraid to put
your name on the ballot paper," Ms Cavanagh concluded.

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