Togher Native Fergal Dennehy Elected as Cork's New Lord Mayor

• Councillor Fergal Dennehy has been elected as Cork's new Lord Mayor, following in the footsteps of his father who held the same role in 1984. The Fianna Fáil councillor secured 23 votes at tonight's Annual Meeting of Cork City Council.

Councillor Dennehy, originally from Togher and now residing in Bishopstown, received the ceremonial chain in the Council Chamber this evening, with An Taoiseach Michael Martin and his wife Mary in attendance to witness the historic moment.

In his inaugural speech, Councillor Dennehy said: "This role is not just a title; it is a sacred trust bestowed upon me by the people of this great city. I am deeply honoured to accept it and fully aware of the responsibility it carries."

The newly elected Ardmhéara Chorcaí outlined his priorities for the year ahead, pledging to "acknowledge and strengthen our beautiful communities, to work with our young people to ensure that they can be the best that they can be, to collaborate with each and every elected member here across the political spectrum."

Councillor Margaret McDonnell was announced as Deputy Lord Mayor, expressing her honour at the appointment.

"I am extremely honoured to be elected as Deputy Lord Mayor, and I look forward to working with the new elected Lord Mayor and supporting him in every way I can over the coming year," she said.

The election marks a family legacy continuing, with Councillor Dennehy acknowledging his father's previous service. Former T.D. John Dennehy served as Lord Mayor in 1984, and the family's combined community service spans over 110 years through various roles and organisations.

Paying tribute to his predecessor, Councillor Dennehy said:

"I wish to pay tribute to our outgoing Lord Mayor, Councillor Dan Boyle. We are extremely fortunate in Cork to have had exceptional Lord Mayors over the years and Councillor Boyle has very much maintained this standard."

Outgoing Lord Mayor Dan Boyle reflected on his term, noting:

"The greatest privilege I've had as Lord Mayor has been in meeting many of the wonderful people of our city, people engaged in activities that involves doing good for others, for their communities and ultimately for the city itself."

Councillor Dennehy brings extensive experience to the role, having first been co-opted to Cork City Council in 2003 and subsequently elected in 2004, 2014, 2019, and 2024. He has served as Deputy Lord Mayor previously (2017-2018) and holds various community and regional positions, including representing Ireland as an alternate delegate to the Committee of the Regions in Brussels.

The new Deputy Lord Mayor, Margaret McDonnell, was elected to Cork City Council in 2024 for the Cork North-East Ward. She currently works in a local medical practice and is actively involved in community organisations including the Glanmire Area Community Association.