Fine Gael Councillor David Collins was elected Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council at the local authority’s Annual General Meeting.

The Turloughmore man’s nomination was unopposed, securing unanimous approval from colleagues across all parties and none.

Cllr Collins was proposed for the role by his party colleague, Cllr Peter Feeney, who said it was “a great privilege” to nominate his “good friend” and Athenry Municipal District colleague.

“David is rooted in his community in Turloughmore. He has been a member [of the Council] since 2019,” said Cllr Feeney, recalling that Cllr Collins began working in his community as soon as he returned from working in the United States in 1997.

Cllr Eileen Mannion (FG) seconded the proposal, describing the new Cathaoirleach as “an outstanding public representative and an absolute gentleman”.

Taking the Chair for the first time, Cllr Collins said it was an “overwhelming” moment for him and his family – his wife, Lorraine, and two sons, Tiernan and Diarmuid.

Recalling working on a construction site in Boston over 30 years ago, he said a man he worked with asked him what he thought he would be doing in 30 years and “this is the last thing I thought I’d be doing”.

“This is a great privilege and responsibility for me and I want to thank [the councillors] for putting that trust in me,” he said.

New team…Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Cllr David Collins, and Leas Cathaoirleach, Cllr Mary Hoade.

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