Fine Gael announces new county councillor

Michael Olney

Cork County Council is back to its full complement of 55 members following the co-option of a new Fine Gael representative for Carrigaline.

Rochestown native Úna McCarthy was announced at Monday’s full meeting of Cork County Council, replacing Michael Paul Murtagh who stepped down in June.

Cllr McCarthy lives in Carrigaline with her husband and two children. She teaches business and accounting at St Peter's secondary school in Passage West where she also serves as Assistant Principal.

Though quite new to politics, Ms McCarthy is heavily involved in her local community through the Carrigaline Residents Association. She is also a coach with Carrigaline GAA club.

“It is an honour and a privilege to be taking this seat today,” she said in Cork County Hall on Monday. “Coming from a GAA household, I love sport and I'm really passionate about the important role it plays in community and in developing and shaping the lives of young people.

“Community is something I've always placed huge value on throughout my life.

“As a school teacher, I see a lot of the issues that are facing our community but as a public representative I will work hard every day to find some solutions to those problems,” she added.

Welcoming Cllr McCarthy, fellow Carrigaline and Fine Gael Cllr Jack White said: “I know she's a person of character and integrity and will be a huge addition to us both as a party locally, but also for our local area.”