·         In accordance with Sections 36 and 37 of the Local Government Act 2001 as amended to elect the Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council to hold office until his/her successor shall have been appointed in accordance with law.

Outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr. Liam Callaghan opened the meeting and noted that the role was a great honour and a privilege to represent Roscommon at home and abroad. He thanked Chief Executive Shane Tiernan, the Management Team and staff for their help and support. He also thanked his fellow Members and noted that he was delighted to represent them. He expressed his appreciation to outgoing Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr. John Keogh, who deputised at events during the year.

Cllr. Callaghan outlined the many highlights of his term, including the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York, attended with Chief Executive Shane Tiernan and Director of Services Caitlín Conneely; the visit to London to meet the Roscommon Association; the opening of the first section of the N5; the Pride of Place Awards; the opening of Ballaghaderreen Library; the opening of the EV charging units at the Áras; the LAMA Awards; the Civic Reception; and the County Enterprise Awards. He also congratulated Carrick-on-Shannon on their recent success in the National Tidy Towns Awards, acknowledging the role played by Cortober.

He further noted the many projects underway, including the Strokestown Public Realm project, the “Spokes in the Wheel” project in Roscommon Town, Ballaghaderreen Park, Boyle Library, and the many festivals held throughout the county. He also referenced the recent Freedom of the County ceremony held in honour of Mr. Sean Mulryan and his previous presentation regarding plans for Athlone.

Chief Executive Mr. Shane Tiernan, on behalf of the Management Team and staff, thanked Cllr. Callaghan for his leadership during the year. He noted that he represented the County with distinction and did his late father Tom, his late brother Ollie, and his family proud. He congratulated him on the enormous work undertaken.

Outgoing Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr. John Keogh reiterated the congratulations, noting that he rarely had to deputise at events as Cllr. Callaghan was ever-present in the demanding role throughout a difficult year and represented the County with integrity.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan invited proposals for the election of Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council for the term 2026-2027.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Duffy

               SECONDED by Cllr. Conboy

It was AGREED that Cllr. Domnick Connolly be elected as Cathaoirleach.

As there were no other proposals, Cllr. Domnick Connolly was duly elected as Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council.

The new Cathaoirleach Cllr. Connolly took over the presiding of the meeting.

·        In accordance with Section 36 of the Local Government Act 2001 as amended to elect the Leas-Chathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council to hold office until his/her successor shall have been appointed in accordance with law.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Keogh

               SECONDED by Cllr. Kelly

It was AGREED that Cllr. Laurence Fallon be elected as Leas-Cathaoirleach.

As there were no other proposals, Cllr. Laurence Fallon was duly elected as Leas-Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council.

To fix the date on which the December 2026 County Council Meeting will be held.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Keogh

           SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED to fix the date of the December Plenary Meeting of Roscommon County Council as follows:

·         Monday 14^th December 2026

To fix dates on which the County Council Meetings will be held within the period to 30^th June, 2027 (Provisional list of dates attached).

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fallon

           SECONDED by Cllr. Crosby

It was AGREED to fix the dates of the next Plenary Meetings of Roscommon County Council as follows:

Monday 27^th July 2025

Monday 21^st September 2025

Monday 19^th October 2025

Monday 23^rd November 2025

Monday 14^th December 2025

Monday 25^th January 2026

Monday 22^nd February 2026

Monday 22^nd March 2026

Monday 26^th April 2026

Monday 24^th May 2026

Annual Meeting Monday 21^st June 2026

Monday 21^st June 2026

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Connolly thanked everyone for their support, including the Chief Executive, the Management Team and his family. He noted the great honour of following in the footsteps of those who had previously held the role. He recalled his first election to the Council in 1991 and the political highs and lows he has experienced since. He emphasised his commitment to fairness and impartiality during his tenure.

He paid tribute to outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan for representing the County with distinction over the past 12 months, and in particular acknowledged his late father Tom and his late brother Ollie. He thanked the Members for their work, with particular recognition for outgoing Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr. Keogh for his contribution. He also wished incoming Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr. Fallon well for the year ahead and noted that he looked forward to working with him.

He acknowledged his proposer and seconder and affirmed his commitment to serve the people of Roscommon to the best of his ability. He thanked Chief Executive Shane Tiernan and the staff of Roscommon County Council for their ongoing work and dedication. He expressed his pride in the County and noted that farming and SMEs are vital to the local economy and employment. He outlined a number of key priorities for the year ahead, including the N5 project, housing, community development and road safety measures.

He also thanked his wife Mary, his daughter and sons, his grandchildren, daughters-in-law, neighbours and friends for their continued support.

Newly elected Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr. Fallon also thanked everyone for their support, particularly his proposer and seconder, and wished Cathaoirleach Cllr. Connolly well for the year ahead as they work together.

Members made the following comments in relation to the appointment of Cathaoirleach Connolly:

• They praised Cathaoirleach Cllr. Connolly’s long-standing political career and his well-deserved election.
• They noted his approachable nature and strong work ethic, which would serve him well in the role.
• They acknowledged and thanked outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan and Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr. Keogh for their service.
• They congratulated Cllr. Fallon on his election as Leas-Cathaoirleach.
•  

Chief Executive Shane Tiernan congratulated the newly elected Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Domnick Connolly and welcomed his family and supporters. He described Cllr. Connolly as a man of principle, resilience and determination, and stated that he looked forward to working with him in the year ahead and that he would have his full support. He also thanked Cllr. Keogh for his work as Leas-Cathaoirleach and wished incoming Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr. Fallon every success in the year ahead.