Kelly elected chair of Roscommon's Athlone Municipal District

Cllr Emer Kelly has been elected Cathaoirleach of the Roscommon County Council Athlone Municipal District.

The Independent Councillor was elected unopposed to the role at the Municipal District AGM this afternoon (Tuesday).

Cllr Kelly will work in tandem with Fine Gael Cllr Valerie Duffy who was elected Leas-Cathaoirleach for the 2026/27 term.

The Cathaoirleach was proposed by Cllr Laurence Fallon and seconded for the role by Cllr Valerie Duffy.

In her maiden speech as Cathaoirleach, Cllr Kelly said it was a "tremendous honour" to be elected to the role.

"Since my time as a Councillor we have worked collectively for the betterment of South Roscommon and hopefully, we will continue to do so during my time as Cathaoirleach," Cllr Kelly said.

The Cathaoirleach said she wanted to build on the work of outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Domnick Connolly and would do so with "enthusiasm" and a "strong sense of responsibility".

"As Councillors we have the privilege of helping to shape the communities in which people live their everyday lives and I want to continue the positive momentum that exists across South Roscommon," Cllr Kelly added.

Cllr Kelly acknowledged that there were a number of ambitious projects ongoing throughout South Roscommon which "have the potential to transform our small communities and improve the quality of life for future generations".

The Cathaoirleach urged her fellow elected representatives to continue their commitment as a Council in "supporting the ambitions of our local communities", urging "collaboration" for the benefit of South Roscommon in the year to come.