Councillor Bobby O’Connell of Kerry County Council has been elected as the Cathaoirleach of the Southern Regional Assembly for the 2026-27 term at its annual meeting on Friday 10 July, which took place at Assembly House, O’Connell St, Waterford. Cllr O’Connell succeeds Cllr Andrew McGuinness of Kilkenny County Council.
Cllr Bobby O’Connell is the longest serving member on Kerry County Council and has been serving the people of Kerry since 1991. He has been elected in four different electoral areas and two constituencies: Mid Kerry, Dingle Area in 1991; Tralee Area in 1999 and 2004; Killarney Area in 2009 and 2014; and Castle Island in 2019. He has served as the Mayor of Kerry (2009-2010) and the Mayor of the Killarney Municipal Area (2015-2016).
Upon his election, Cllr O’Connell said: “I am deeply honoured to assume the Chain of Office as Cathaoirleach of the Southern Regional Assembly.
At a time when regional leadership has never been more important, the role of the Regional Assemblies continues to grow in significance. As a vital tier of governance, the Southern Regional Assembly plays a central role in shaping economic, spatial and sustainable development, ensuring that the needs and ambitions of our communities are reflected in national policy and investment.
I look forward to working closely with my fellow Assembly Members, colleagues from across the political spectrum, our local authorities, and our many stakeholders in a spirit of partnership and shared ambition. Together, we have an important programme of work ahead, and I am committed to ensuring that the Assembly continues to provide strong regional leadership, champion balanced development, and help deliver positive outcomes for the people and communities of the Southern Region.”
Congratulating the new Cathaoirleach, Director of the Assembly, David Kelly conveyed that he, together with all staff of the Assembly, eagerly anticipates working in partnership with Cllr O’Connell and all Assembly Members in the in the year ahead.
Leas Cathaoirleach
Cllr Tony O’Brien of Clare County Council was elected as Leas Cathaoirleach at the meeting. Cllr O’Brien is a Fianna Fáil Councillor for the Killaloe Municipal District and was previously elected Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council in 2022. He was elected Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe Municipal District in 2023.