Councillor Paul Murphy officially elected Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council

Fine Gael Councillor Paul Murphy has been elected Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council.

Cllr Murphy succeeds Cllr Alan O’Callaghan, of Fianna Fáil, in the role. Along with this, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy, also of Fianna Fáil, was elected as Leas-Chathaoirleach of Clare County Council. Both councillors were awarded their roles at the Annual General Meeting of the Council on Friday, June 27, 2025.

Thanking his family and friends for their ongoing support, the Ennis native said it was his great honour to stand before the Council as Cathaoirleach. 

“To become first citizen of this beautiful county is a privilege like no other, and one that I will cherish from this day forward,” he said in his maiden speech as Cathaorileach. 

“I am delighted to be part of a cross chamber power sharing agreement that has been in place since 2004, ensuring that all groups in the council get the opportunity to play a meaningful role in the running of Clare County Council. This agreement has served the county exceptionally well throughout this time, uniting all 28 Councillors as a team and it is vital that this continues. Many hands make light work, agus ní neart go cur le cheile - there is no strength without unity.”

Looking to the future Cllr Murphy continued, “One of the council’s key functions is the delivery of services, including maintenance and upgrading of roads, provision of housing and wastewater facilities. The future economic progression of County Clare depends on these services and Central Government must continue to play its part in financing these services and the associated infrastructure.

“We are very lucky to have dedicated staff, across all directorates carry out great work on a continual basis, and they must be commended. In particular, our outdoor staff face out into all kinds of weather; rain, hail, sunshine and storms, and they deserve special mention and thanks. I look forward to working with you, Chief Executive, your officials and your staff, as we look to continue deliverance of our key services to the wider community over the next 12 months.”

Cllr Murphy also paid tribute to the outgoing Cathaoirleach, saying, “I want to pay tribute to my predecessor, Councillor Alan O'Callaghan and those of you who have previously held this office. Alan has done a fantastic job for the last 12 months and I want to acknowledge that. I have no doubt that I will be able to turn to him for any advice that I may seek during my term in office.”

Acknowledging the support of his fellow elected members, particularly outgoing as Leas-Chathaoirleach, Cllr O' Callaghan said, “Every time I have put on the Cathaoirleach’s chain, I have done so knowing I represent everyone in this Chamber and in County Clare.

READ MORE: Former Clare garda facing prison for 'calculated, predatory act of violence' on colleague

“With the support and contribution of elected members, much has been achieved in the last year and continues to be achieved. The role played by the Councillors of this Chamber in this regard cannot be overstated.

“Through your work and through the work of county council staff, we have achieved great success in attracting funding for the county, be it for tourism development, roads and infrastructure projects or public realm regeneration work in our towns and rural villages.”

“As Cathaoirleach, I have been fortunate enough to witness at first hand the many examples of community-led projects throughout our county, including in roads and infrastructure. I had the great honour of helping to open the magnificent new de Valera library in Ennis and the Brian Boru bridge in Killaloe, a transformative project that will open up a new era in east Clare and the county as a whole.

“And I can’t run through the highlights of the year without mentioning our All-Ireland triumph. When I stood up here 12 months ago to accept this honour of being Cathaoirleach, I never imagined that after a few weeks I’d be up on stage in the Fair Green celebrating the team homecoming.

“I would like to wish the incoming Cathaoirleach the very best during their term of office. It will be a very busy time, but also very enjoyable,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, the new Cathaoirligh and Leas-Chathaoirligh of Clare County Council’s four Municipal Districts (MDs) have also been elected.

Shannon MD was first to hold its AGM on Friday last when Cllr John Crowe was elected as Cathaoirleach, and Cllr Michael Begley as Leas-Chathaoirleach.

Cllr Mary Howard is the new Mayor of Ennis having been elected on Thursday, June 26 with Cllr Pat Daly as deputy Mayor of Ennis.

Killaloe MD held its AGM in the newly opened Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience in Mountshannon. Cllr Pat Burke was elected as Cathaoirleach and Cllr Tony O’Brien as Leas-Chathaoirleach.

Finally, in West Clare, Cllr Bill Slattery will be Cathaoirleach for the next year with Cllr Michael Shannon serving as Leas-Chathaoirleach.