Cllr Andrew Reddington elected Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council
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Headford’s Cllr Andrew Reddington (FG) has been elected Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council as he takes over the mantle from party colleague, Fine Gael Cllr David Collins.
Addressing elected representatives, Cllr Reddington thanked those in attendance, especially the large gathering of friends and family.
He thanked Cllr Jimmy McClearn (FG) for his ongoing support and for proposing him as Cathaoirleach at today's County Council meeting.
“Jimmy has been tutoring me since 2019,” he said. “I have listened to him most of the time. Like everything else, you learn as you go along, and I have a lot to learn.”
His nomination was seconded by school friend and fellow councillor James Charity (FG).
“We left Presentation College Headford 25 years ago this September,” Cllr Reddington reminded Cllr Charity.
“Life takes a lot of twists and turns, and I was brought up to stand up for what is right. I was the most unlikely person in the family to stand for election.”
Cllr Reddington spoke of how he first ran for election in 2019 and was “thankfully re-elected in 2024”.
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He joked that two members of his canvassing team said that, while he is good at filling out forms, he “wouldn't be great with a shovel”.
Outlining his priorities for the coming year, the new Cathaoirleach spoke of the importance of Ireland's place in Europe and said he is ready to “fly the flag for Galway”.
He spoke passionately about rural Ireland and said that councillors need to improve their relationship with Uisce Éireann.
“Rural Ireland is not dying, it is thriving,” he said.
He added that he wants to support local community groups, provide more affordable housing, and “come in strong” behind the Galway Ring Road.
Thanking his wife and family, he promised constituents that the “potholes will be filled” and that he will “fit it all in”.
Fianna Fáil councillor Michael Regan takes over the position of Leas-Cathaoirleach from councillor Mary Hoade, who proposed his nomination.
Councillors heard that he brings “huge experience in political life” to the role, with Cllr Hoade saying she was “proud” to nominate him as Leas-Cathaoirleach.
The nomination was seconded by party colleague Cllr Gerry Finnerty.