Annie May is new Cathaoirleach of Ballina Municipal District

Fianna Fáil Cllr Annie May Reape has been elected as the new cathaoirleach of Ballina Municipal District, succeeding Fine Gael Cllr Jarlath Munnelly who completed his one-year term last Wednesday.

There was a warm and friendly handover at the annual general meeting after Cllr Reape was proposed and seconded by Cllr Michael Loftus (Fianna Fáil) and Cllr Marie Therese Duffy (Fine Gael). Cllr Duffy praised Cllr Reape's "experience, expertise and capability". The nomination was supported by all other members.

Thanking her colleagues, Cllr Reape remarked: "It is an honourable task to be the Cathaoirleach and one I look forward to and I also look forward to working with my colleagues in an efficient manner. Anyone who knows me knows I will not be difficult, or at least, not too difficult! 

"Ballina Municipal District is a lovely environment and we all work well together and my thanks also to the Press for their cooperation and we all look forward to working with you again over the new term. This has been a very fast year and Jarlath, you did us proud. You were excellent on the higher stage and if I do half as good, I will be very lucky.” 

The new Cathaoirleach then called for nominations for the role of Leas Cathaoirleach, with Cllr Munnelly nominating his Fine Gael colleague Cllr John O’Hara, adding: “I know you will do an excellent job, you are no stranger to it and served the county very well before as Cathaoirleach and I have no doubt you will do us very proud.” 

Cllr Munnelly went on to tell Cllr Reape: “It will be very fitting to have a man from your own neighbouring parish as Leas Cathaoirleach, although of course you both claim Bonniconlon!” 

Cllr Joe Faughnan seconded the nomination and there was unanimous approval, with Cllr Reape telling the new Leas Cathaoirleach: “We will work together John, as we have been working as neighbours down through the years, although I think I might not give you anything for Bonniconlon!"

However, she quickly added that she was “only joking” and there is so much to do she will need all the help she can get.

Cllr O'Hara extended thanks to all and wished Cllr Reape all the best in her role, saying he will be happy to “carry the chain” and that he might even “get a job driving the new Cathaoirleach around". 

Mayo County Council's Senior Executive Officer Olivia Gallagher, on behalf of Director of Services Catherine McConnell, welcomed the new Cathaoirleach and Leas Cathaoirleach to their new roles, adding that the council looked forward to working with them over the next year.

Head of Ballina Municipal District Anna Connor also extended congratulations and said she looked forward to working with them.

Cllr Munnelly said it was worth mentioning that the council's senior team in attendance were “all women", quipping: “So for us men, it’s all over. Well done. It’s a great day for women!” 

Cllr Reape added: “When I was first elected to Mayo Co Council, I was the only female among the 30 members.”

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.