Domnick Connolly elected first citizen of Roscommon
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Athlone Municipal District's Cllr Domnick Connolly has been elected as the Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council.
The Fine Gael councillor from Fuerty was re-elected to the council in 2024, having lost his seat at the previous local elections in 2019. He has also just completed a year as Chairman of the Athlone Municipal District.
Cllr Connolly was proposed as Cathaoirleach by Cllr Valerie Duffy and seconded by Cllr Ruth Conboy, and passed universally.
Cllr Laurence Fallon was then proposed as Leas Cathaoirleach by Cllr John Keogh and seconded by Cllr Emer Kelly.
“You have proudly represented the people of Roscommon, particularly South Roscommon. He listens, he learns, and he laughs. He is no nonsense, he is fair, and his leadership is clear, “ said Cllr Duffy, of Cllr Connolly.
“It is a great honour and I am deeply humbled to be elected,” Cllr Connolly said.
Outlining his goals for the year, he noted ambitions to support small and medium business development, to deliver quality housing, to support the continued development of the N5 Ballaghdereen Bypass, and to further provisions of road safety and traffic calming.
An alliance of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, with Independent support, holds the balance of power in the Roscommon council chamber.
Acknowledging his chamber colleagues, he said the differences of political affiliations will be put aside.
“We serve one common purpose: making Roscommon the best place to live and work. We have a wonderful county.”
Congratulating Cllr Connolly on his election as Cathaoirleach, Shane Tiernan, Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council said: “You are a forthright man in principle and indeed a fighter. You came back with that marathon fight. It shows the man of resilience that you are.”
Outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Liam Callaghan said the past year has been a “great honour and indeed a privilege”.
“I will look back with great fondness. Our county has a lot to be proud of. There is a great spirit of community engagement.”
He mentioned trips to both London and New York for Roscommon Association dinner dances as highlights of his tenure.
He also highlighted the visit of Sean Mulryan to the chamber to discuss his plans for Athlone with the members. Mr Mulryan also recently received the freedom of the county.
He referred to Roscommon as the 'summer capital of events' and acknowledged all the events ongoing in the county.
Congratulating Cllr Connolly, Cllr Callaghan added: “You've shown great resilience. You pulled it out of the fire. It's a great achievement for you and your family.”
The Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council acknowledged the success Cllr Callaghan had in his role as Cathaoirleach.
“You discharged your duties with distinction. Under your leadership you did an enormous duty to your county.”
Cllr Fallon extended his best wishes to outgoing Cathaoirleach and Leas Cathaoirleach, Cllr Callaghan and Cllr Keogh: “They were a most excellent team working together.”
Speaking on his election as Leas Cathaoirleach, he added: “It's an honour and I'm absolutely delighted. I see the role as something between a bridesmaid and a best man. Any foreign trips, I can take them off you!”