Pictures: Here are the candidates seeking your vote in Kilkenny Local Electoral Area

Joe Malone (Fianna Fail)
Fianna Fail councillor Joe Malone was first elected as a borough councillor in 2009, and then in the Kilkenny City West area in 2014.

He was re-elected in Kilkenny City in 2019 with a First Preference vote of 1,271. He is the incumbent Mayor of Kilkenny, a role he served in previously in 2015/16. During his term of office, he pledged his commitment to various projects including further development of the brewery site, the new bridge at Coote’s Lane and the Butts Regeneration Project.

He cited a need for more residential buildings in the city and described drugs as ‘the biggest pandemic in society today’. He also wants to see a handball statue to be put in place in the city.

Originally from New Ross, he joined the army at 16 and worked as a medical orderly for 23 years, travelling overseas. He has lived in Kilkenny for 45 years now.

Cllr Malone was also the chair of the St Patrick’s Festival committee for a number of years. He has worked as a coordinator with the Kilkenny Suicide Awareness Organisation. He also volunteers with and supports Meals on Wheels, his local O’Loughlin Gaels, homeless charities, and mental health groups. Each year, he organises and coordinates an annual pilgrimage for young people to Medjugorje.

Cllr Malone is married to Josephine and has a son, Jamie, who is a serving member of the Defence Forces.