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

The country's longest serving female councillor, Mary Hilda Cavanagh has been elected Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council for the fourth time, following the 2025 AGM of the council on Friday.

The motion to elect Ms Cavanagh was proposed by Cllr Michael Doyle (Fine Gael) and seconded by Cllr Pat Dunphy (Fine Gael) with the long -standing councillor replacing Cllr Michael McCarthy (Fianna Fáil) in the role.

The Fine Gael representative has served three terms as Chairperson of Kilkenny County Council (1983-1984; 2004-2005 and 2015-2016) and was elected Leas-Cathaoirleach on two separate occasions.

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The Galmoy native began her political career in 1974 and remains the longest serving female councillor in the country.

"I still believe public service, particularly at local level is a privilege," Cllr Cavanagh said during her address in County Hall. 

Outgoing Cathaoirleach, Cllr Michael McCarthy thanked fellow councillors and his family for their support during his term in the position and congratulated Ms Hilda Cavanagh on her new role.

"Since the time I've been elected, you've been the standard bearer," he commented.

Meanwhile, Fine Gael's Cllr Fidelis Doherty was elected to the role of Leas-Cathaoirleach.

Cllr Doherty was left humbled and emotional at the nomination after being proposed by Cllr David FitzGerald (Fine Gael) which was seconded by Cllr Joe Lyons (Fine Gael).

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Outgoing Cathaoirleach, Cllr Michael McCarthy (RIGHT)