Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan thanked everyone for their support, especially his proposer and seconder. He noted that it was a bittersweet occasion for the Callaghan family due to the recent passing of his late father, former Cllr. Tom Callaghan who served as Cathaoirleach 30 years ago. He noted that they were only the second father and son to both serve as Cathaoirleach in the Council’s history. He emphasised his commitment to be fair and objective during his tenure. He also acknowledged Cllr. Fitzmaurice and Cllr. Brennan for their contributions in their respective roles. He acknowledged that the year had been a difficult one following the passing of two great colleagues Cllr. John Naughten and Cllr. Anthony Waldron and paid tribute to the significant impact they had as councillors. 

He expressed his disappointment at social media attacks and public criticism, stating that it is no longer acceptable for councillors to be abused publicly or privately. He thanked the Chief Executive Shane Tiernan and Roscommon County Council staff for the investment in the county and noted that they could take pride in the work being done. He emphasised that the efforts are being carried out to the highest level, united by one common purpose: to represent Roscommon people. He discussed a number of areas that would be prominent over the next year including the N5 project, housing and tourism.

He acknowledged the Fine Gael party and noted the last Fine Gael Cathaoirleach was John Connor in 2009. He thanked those who have supported him since his first election in 2009 and acknowledged his wife, daughter, sons, brothers, sisters and wider family. He noted the importance of the role families play in supporting councillors.

He congratulated John Keogh on his election as Leas-Cathaoirleach and noted that he is a great asset representing South Roscommon and would be a great substitute should he need to fill the role.

New Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr. Keogh also thanked everyone for their support in his election, particularly his proposer and seconder and expressed how honoured he was to serve the role.

Members made the following comments in relation to Cathaoirleach Callaghan’s appointment:

• Praise for Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan’s political career to date and his deserved election as Cathaoirleach.
• They noted that he had a common-sense approach which would be valuable in the role.
• Acknowledgement for the late former Cathaoirleach Tom Callaghan and the work he carried out as a councillor.
• Acknowledgement and thanks to outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr. Fitzmaurice and Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr. Brennan.
• Congratulations to John Keogh on his election as Leas-Cathaoirleach.

Chief Executive Shane Tiernan congratulated the new Cathaoirleach Cllr. Liam Callaghan and welcomed his family. He also congratulated the new Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr. John Keogh. He noted the poignancy of Cllr. Callaghan’s election to Cathaoirleach so shortly after the passing of his late father Tom. He thanked Cllr. Fitzmaurice and Cllr. Brennan for their roles over the past year and acknowledged the visit of Minister Dara Callery that took place in Castlerea last Friday. He recognised that the year had been memorable in various ways and reiterated Cllr. Fitzmaurice’s views on the St. Patrick’s Day events in New York and the importance of representing Roscommon globally.