First of five new mayors for Clon

Clonakilty’s new community mayor will be installed later today following an exciting local election.

The only one of its kind in all of Ireland, the Clonakilty mayoral election chooses a cycle of five community mayors with each serving one year at the helm.

The first of the five, Michael O’Neill Jnr, will take his place at 8pm this evening (Thursday) at Asna Square when outgoing Mayor Gretta O’Donovan will pass on the mayoral robe and chain to her successor, as chosen by the people.

Since the last election in 2014, five non-statutory, voluntary mayors, directly-elected by the people of Clonakilty, were installed at open air public ceremonies. Gretta O' Donovan is the final one of the five mayors directly-elected in 2014 when the statutory mayor and town council were abolished by central government.

Her predecessors were Colette Twomey, Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin, Anthony McDermott and John Loughnan.

Following his year 'in office' Michael O’ Neill will be followed by Pádraig O’ Reilly, Anthony McDermott, Paddy McCarthy, and Chris Hinchy who will each serve one year.