First-time candidate Paul elected as mayor of Carlow

COUNCILLOR Paul Doogue was elected mayor of Carlow at the AGM of Carlow Municipal District recently, just a year after he was first elected onto the council as a first-time candidate.

“It was truly an honour to be elected mayor of Carlow and to get the opportunity to serve the people of Carlow,” said cllr Doogue. “This time last year, I was elected to the council for the very first time, so to become mayor a year later is something I never envisaged.” 

Cllr Doogue was proposed by cllr Fergal Brown and seconded by cllr Andrea Dalton.

Cllr Browne said that cllr Doogue had hit the ground running as soon as he took up his post, while he also mentioned he was instrumental in bringing the national community games finals to Carlow.

Cllr Doogue thanked the outgoing mayor cllr Fintan Phelan and all the other councillors for the respect they showed him in the past year, adding that he was looking forward to working with them in the year ahead.

Cllr Doogue thanked chief executive Coilín O’Reilly and all the council staff for their help, support and guidance during the year and said he hoped it would continue for the next four years.

He also thanked his family and friends for attending the AGM to see him get elected. He continued that it was a very proud day for him and his family as this might never happen again. He thanked his wife Elaine and his children for all their support during the past year.

Cllr Doogue is very involved in the community in different roles, including as chairman of Graiguecullen area 6 community games and deputy president of national community games, along with being chairman of County Carlow Hospice. He has also been involved in various fundraisers.