Manorcunningham’s Paul Canning, an Inishowen Councillor, has been chosen as the new Cathaoirleach, becoming Donegal’s ‘first citizen’.
The Fianna Fáil representative succeeds Independent Councillor Niamh Kennedy in the role.
Cllr. Canning, a seasoned architect, brings 14 years of experience as a county councillor to the position.
His journey on Donegal County Council began in 2011 when he was co-opted following Charlie McConalogue’s (also Fianna Fáil) election to the Dáil.
Cllr Canning’s family, including his parents, wife Stephanie, and daughter Vanessa, were present in Lifford, along with party colleagues Minister of State McConalogue and Senator Niall Blaney, to celebrate the occasion.
Upon taking his seat, Cllr Canning expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him.
“It’s an honour for me and my family to get this opportunity,” he acknowledged.
“I hope to be fair, honest and straight with everyone.”
Looking ahead, Cllr Canning emphasized the need for the council to “put in an extra shift” to ensure government-funded developments progress efficiently.
Addressing the housing crisis, he stated: “We are slowly getting to grips with the housing crisis but there is a hell of a lot more work to do and hopefully we can continue to do that.”
Cllr Canning also advocated for increased promotion of Donegal’s tourism potential and its pristine landscapes.
“We are not a quarter of the way there of promoting our county,” he asserted, stressing the need for greater focus on North Inishowen.
Addressing fellow elected members and the executive, he said: “I look forward to working with you all this coming year in the hope of making Donegal a better place to live for everyone.”
Fianna Fáil’s Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly, representing Glenswilly, was elected Leas-Cathaoirleach, taking over from Fine Gael councillor Jimmy Kavanagh.
Outgoing Cathaoirleach Niamh Kennedy, who represented Donegal at home and abroad, described her term as a “great year” filled with visits across the county, welcoming guests, and forging lasting friendships.
Highlights of her tenure included the nominations of Jim McGuinness and Enya for the Freedom of the County and the official establishment of the first Sunday of September as ‘Donegal Camino Day’.
Cllr Kennedy also successfully raised €7,525 for Donegal Domestic Violence Services through her “Cathaoirleach’s Concert” held in An Grianan Letterkenny in April.
“It was a pleasure to represent the county and I was very proud to do so,” Cllr Kennedy concluded.
New Cathaoirleach Paul Canning hopes to make Donegal a better place for all was last modified: June 30th, 2025 by
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