McDonnell unanimous choice as Castlebar district cathaoirleach

LONG-SERVING Fianna Fáil Councillor Al McDonnell has been elected cathaoirleach of the Castlebar Municipal District.

He was the unanimous choice for the position at the district's annual general meeting, which took place this afternoon.

He replaces another long-serving member, Independent Councillor Michael Kilcoyne, who has just completed his fourth term as cathaoirleach in 10 years.

Tribute were paid to him on his stewardship of the district over the past 12 months.

Councillor McDonnell was proposed by Councillor Blackie Gavin, who was subsequently elected leas-cathaoirleach, also unopposed.

Councillor Gavin noted how his FF colleague is one of the most experienced councillors in the country, having served on Mayo County Council for 36 years.

Thanking the members for the trust being placed in him, Councillor McDonnell reminded them there are just over 340 days left until the next local elections.