Carlow’s youngest-ever councillor takes the chain of office at 25

CLLR Daniel Pender has made history by becoming one of Ireland’s youngest municipal district chairs after being elected cathaoirleach of Muinebheag Municipal District at just 25 years of age.

The Ballinabranna native, who was elected to the council in 2024 as a first-time candidate, is currently the only Fianna Fáil representative in the Muinebheag MD. His election took place at last week’s municipal district meeting, where he outlined his vision for the year ahead.

“It is a huge honour and privilege to receive the chain of office at such a young age,” said cllr Pender. “Over the next year, I'll focus on securing more housing and pushing for better mental health supports in our communities. I'm committed to representing everyone across the district.” Speaking at yesterday’s meeting, the new cathaoirleach thanked his fellow councillors “for putting their trust in me” and acknowledged the guidance he has received since taking office last year.

“I have big shoes to fill following on from cllr Tommy Kinsella; he’s been nothing but a gentleman over the past year in showing me how things work in the council. Alongside my colleague Michael Doran, he's been a great help,” cllr Pender told the meeting.

He also praised councillors Willie Quinn and Andy Gladney, describing them as “fantastic to work with” and noting their “wealth of experience”, while expressing his intention to bring fresh ideas to the role.

The Trinity College Dublin business and economics graduate began his career training with one of the ‘Big Four’ accounting firms and previously served as an assistant to minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor.

In an emotional moment during his speech, cllr Pender paid tribute to his family, describing them as his “guiding light” and remembered his late father, saying he was “here today in the spirit”.

“I intend on focusing on ensuring that the decisions we take here represent the entirety of the district, be they young or old, urban or rural. We will do our best to ensure that their opinions are heard here and factored into decisions,” said the new cathaoirleach.

Cllr Michael Doran was elected as leas-cathaoirleach (vice-chair), with cllr Pender noting that cllr Doran had “worked for the people of this area for a large number of years” and will “bring a wealth of experience” to the role.

Cllr Pender expressed gratitude to those who supported his political journey, particularly as an outsider candidate. “I want to sincerely thank my family for their constant support and my supporters, who backed me as an outsider candidate. Without their belief and encouragement, none of this would have been possible.” The young councillor described his election as “a huge personal honour and an exciting moment for Carlow” as he prepares to lead the municipal district through the coming year.