Headford's Andrew Reddington elected Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council

COUNCILLOR Andrew Reddington has been elected as the new Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council.

He takes ownership of the chains from Fine Gael party colleague David Collins, having been nominated by Loughrea District Councillor Jimmy McClearn and seconded by Corrandulla’s James Charity.

“This is a great honour, and I want to thank everyone who has come out to support me today,” stated Cllr Reddington’s during the council’s AGM in County Hall on Friday afternoon.

“I must thank Jimmy, who has been tutoring me since I was first elected in 2019. Sometimes I listened to him, other times I didn’t. You learn as you go along when you’re a councillor, and I have a lot to learn yet.

“Growing up, I was the least likely person in my family to enter politics, my brother Eugene would’ve been a far better candidate.

“But I got involved in so many community organisations in Headford and did my best to push them forward. I ran in the 2019 local elections when I hadn’t a clue what I was doing, but my great team helped me get elected.

“I have an important message to my local constituents. The potholes will still be fixed, the jobs that need addressing will still be done. This will all continue while acting as Cathaoirleach. Gaillimh Abu,” he exclaimed.

Meanwhile Councillor Michael Regan of Fianna Fáil was elected as Leas Cathaoirleach. He succeeds Cllr Mary Hoade in the role. He was nominated by the Headford woman and seconded by Gort Cllr Gerry Finnerty.

The Loughrea district councillor served in the chamber from 1991 to 2009 and has twice acted as County Cathaoirleach. He was coopted onto the council to replace Senator Shane Curley, after his election to the Seanad in January 2025.