Third female Mayor of County Cork elected
The new Mayor of the County of Cork has said the challenges she’s faced in life, like being a lone parent at a young age, will give her the skills and empathy to advocate on behalf of Cork’s citizens.
Independent Cllr Mary Lenihan Foley took over the chain of office following a unanimous vote in the council chambers on Friday.
She said: “In life I have faced many challenges, such as being a lone parent at quite a relatively young age. I feel these experiences have equipped me well for dealing with the trials that one faces in life and has given me the skills and empathy to advocate on behalf of our citizens, many of whom live in challenging circumstances.”
Taking office during the recovery from Covid-19, Mayor Linehan Foley said she intends to lead the way in supporting the regeneration of the economy of Cork county by championing local businesses and ensuring that supports are available for the recovery of tourism, agriculture and fishing in the county.
She said she is committed to working tirelessly during her term to ensure that the community and voluntary groups who supported our most vulnerable during lockdown receive the support they need to return to full operation.
A mother of five, she follows in the footsteps of her father, the late Paddy Linehan, who served the people of Youghal in the council for 43 years, and is proud of her part in her family’s 70 years’ of public service.
She added: “I am honoured to have been elected as Mayor of the County of Cork and pledge to uphold the principles of the office and represent the people of Cork to the best of my ability.
“When you work at something you truly care about you don’t have to be pushed, the vision pulls you. That’s how I feel about this role.”
She is currently Chairperson of Youghal Town Twinning, Chairperson of Community Radio Youghal, a member of the East Cork Garda Youth Diversion Project and Chairperson of Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group.
Cllr Linehan Foley was the first woman to be elected as Mayor of Youghal and is the third female Mayor of the County of Cork, the most recent being Cllr Barbara Murray, who held the office in 2012-2013.
She will serve as mayor for the next year.