'Man of the people' -Cllr Garry Murtagh appointed as county Longford's new first citizen

Garry Murtagh has been appointed as Longford's new 'first citizen' of Longford County Council replacing outgoing Cathoirleach Mark Casey.

The Colmcille man was proposed for the prestigious Cathaoirleach role by his party colleague Cllr Paul Ross and seconded by Cllr Gerry Hagan.

Cllr Murtagh said he was honoured to be appointed Cathoirleach and he thanked Cllr Ross, Cllr Hagan and all of the local representatives he has worked alongside for their support and assistance.

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"I believe that the members I served with in the council in the previous five years as with the current members that are here, that their heart has always been county Longford first.

"In order for a county like ours to thrive and develop we must deliver key projects in Longford for our county.

"I will work tirelessly with my fellow members and with the staff of Longford County Council as Cathaoirleach," Cllr Murtagh added.

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Cllr Ross said it was a proud day for north county Longford and Fine Gael to be able to nominate Cllr Murtagh as chairman of Longford County Council.

"He was first elected in 2019 with our Oireachtas colleague Micheál Carrigy and our Senator Paraic Brady Garry came from a very strong, voluntary working background as a coordinator of Tús (community work placement scheme) and also working with the Leebeen Park Development Committee.

"Leebeen Park has been the jewel in the crown of Colmcille for many years and since Garry has got elected he moved on from that voluntary capacity to a full-time capacity rejuvenating Colmcille.

"That culminated into the development of Leebeen and also the fantastic walks that Garry incorporated into most of Colmcille."

Cllr Ross also praised Cllr Murtagh for getting the highest first preference vote in the Granard Municipal District area in the history of the state in the 2024 local elections when he captured 1,450 first preference votes.

Cllr Hagan seconded Cllr Murtagh and praised his work ethic, leadership qualities and stated he believed he would make a wonderful Cathaoirleach.

Cllr Peggy Nolan described Cllr Murtagh as being a "man of your word and a man of the people".

Cllr Niall Gannon was appointed Leas Cathaoirleach and he said he was delighted to take on the role and he stated he would work hard alongside his party colleague Cllr Murtagh.

All of the councillors congratulated outgoing Cllr Mark Casey for being a very good Cathaoirleach who represented county Longford with distinction at home and abroad and was very fair and balanced.

There was also praise for outgoing Leas Cathaoirleach Peggy Nolan who was lauded for her dedicated representation for the people of Longford.