By Kilkenny Observer reporter
Photos: jbs kilkenny
Councillor Joe Malone was elected elected as Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny county council, taking over the office from Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh. The John Street council chamber attracted a massive crowd that included family members of the new chairman,, former colleagues from James Stephens barracks , many representatives from volunteer groups and numerous friends. Also present were T.Ds from Dáil Éireann and MEP’S. All had come to support Cllr Malone on his election as the new chair of the County Council.
Prior to the election , outgoing chairperson Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh thanked her fellow councillors for the support she had received over the past year. Fine Gael councillor David Fitzgerald congratulated Mary Hilda Cavanagh on her year in office and praised her comittment and dedication to the role. “It is amazing that during your long political career, your appetite for helping the community has never waned and for you to have served as Cathaoirleach on four occasions is to be applauded” said Cllr Fitzgerald.
Proposal
Recently elected Mayor, Andrew McGuinness , proposed Joe Malone for the role of Chair of the Council, citing the great work he does on a daily basis. “ Joe is a real ‘man of the people’, and I’m certain he will leave no stone unturned to carry out his duties with the utmost integrity”, said Cllr McGuinness.
The motion was seconded by Cllr Joe Sheridan, who said that in seconding the motion, he was certain that Joe Malone would put his own stamp of sincerity to the role, on which the people of Kilkenny will be proud of.
Election
Following his election, Joe received a standing ovation as he addressed the gathering, donned with his Cathaoirleach chain of office.
Joe thanked all gathered and said he was appreciative to his fellow councillors for bestowing this honour on him.“I particularly thank my wife Josephine and my son Jamie for attending here today, and for the constant, patient and unwavering support they have shown me”, said Joe.
Opening his address, Joe expressed his deep faith and explained that he uses that faith in everything he does and so will treat the office with sincerity, honesty and a genuine desire to help people.
First elected
Joe Malone entered local politics in 2009 when he was elected to Kilkenny Borough council and later to the County Council in 2014.
He was Mayor of the city on two occasions, a privilege, he says, he will never take for granted.
Outlining his plans as new Chairman, Joe explained that his duties will be vast but he will concentrate in as much as possible on volunteering in Kilkenny. “I want to celebrate the wonderful work that many volunteers carry out”, said Joe. He gave examples with such groups as U,N Vets’, Meals on Wheels, Newpark Close FRC, Teac Tom. These, and other groups give so much said the newly elected chair, and we must recognise the enormous contribution they make.
Joe said that his plan for 2026/27 will include passing a fair budget, delivering social and affordable housing and securing further investment in the city and county.
“While every county is struggling in different ways, Kilkenny is no different, remarked Joe. “ But as a county we have got so much going for us, and I will point to the ongoing work at the Abbey Quarter as a major highlight for our city, said the former army man. Joe went on to say that the ‘Quarter’ provides a once in a generation chance to provide a vibrant, intergenerational community space. Cllr Malone paid special mention to the new Mayfair library describing it as an absolute gem in our city.
Drugs
The Cathaoirleach spent time speaking on the evils of drugs and substance abuse in the city and county. “ I am passionate beyond belief about tackling the issue of drug abuse and I want to use my time in this office to be a voice for victims of drugs and indeed the users themselves”, said Joe. Mr Malone went on to say that not a day goes by when he doesn’t hear from a family afflicted by this disease. He described the abuse of drugs in the city and county as an epidemic and cancer in our society. “ I speak every single day with families who have been devastated by drug abuse in one way or another , including threats, intimidation and fear” he said.
Before the conclusion of proceedings, Chief executive of Kilkenny County Council Lar Power congratulated Cllr Malone on his election and said he looked forward to working with him. Mr Power also thanked Cllr Mary Hilda Cavangh on her year in office.
Cllr Deirdre Cullen (FF) was elected to the role of Leas Cathaoirleach taking over from Cllr Fideles Doherty.
