Tommy Kinsella elected as new cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council

COUNCILLOR Tommy Kinsella has been elected as cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council for 2026-2027, with cllr Paul Doogue serving as leas-cathaoirleach.

Outgoing cathaoirleach cllr Ken Murnane received buckets of praise and congratulations from councillors after chairing his last council meeting last week. He was told he represented Carlow proudly on local, national and international stages, had executed his role fairly and faithfully and did his family and his party proud.

Cllr Brian O’Donoghue was one of few who admitted his reticence at seeing cllr Murnane elected as chair in June of last year, remembering: “I said to myself, we’re going to end up on RTÉ.” But, he said, cllr Murnane has been “very, very fair and unbiased” in his duties throughout the year.

Cllr Daniel Pender complimented Ken on his ability to make it “to every single event” and said to cllr Murnane: “You’ve been a straight shooter in the chair.” “Lads, I’m starting to think you’re talking about somebody else,” cllr Murnane interjected to laughter.

Chief executive of Carlow Co Council Coilín O’Reilly humourously said the executive team were “not looking forward to you going down there shouting at us”. He described the outgoing chair as “the only person I could row with and have a chat with the next morning” and said he was glad that they “always listened to each other”.

The CEO presented cllr Murnane with a book of photos taken throughout the year.

“Being cathaoirleach has been a huge honour. It’s up there with my marriage, my first child, my first grandchild and, wait for it, my first great-grandchild. You made it very easy for me. I want to wish the next cathaoirleach the best of luck. I hope he enjoys it as much as I did,” said cllr Murnane.

Cllr Michael Doran proposed cllr Tommy Kinsella as the next cathaoirleach, pointing out that he is “one of the longest-serving and most experienced members” of the council, being first elected in 2004, and frequently topping the election polls ever since. The nomination was seconded by cllr O’Donoghue, noting that cllr Kinsella’s wife Joan, who was present in the chamber, is “the energy that keeps him going” and “the maker of the finest salad sandwich this side of the Mississippi”.

After his election as cathaoirleach, cllr Kinsella thanked the councillors, noting that he was last elected as chair of the council 15 years ago and is looking forward to working with everyone for the good of Carlow.