Murray is new cathaoirleach of Mayo’s largest municipal district

SINN Féin Councillor Gerry Murray is the new cathaoirleach of the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District (MD).

This is the largest MD in Mayo, covering a third of the county with a third of the councillors (10).

The long-standing Charlestown representative was elected unopposed at the MD's annual general meeting after being proposed for the role by the Fine Gael members.

His leas-cathaoirleach is FG Councillor Michael Burke, also elected unanimously.

This is Councillor Murray's second time as cathaoirleach of the MD in this term having previously been elected in 2020.

He takes over from Councillor John Cribbin to whom warm tributes were paid for his tenure at the helm.

Councillor Cribbin has already indicated he will not be contesting next year's local elections and tribute has been paid to him for his contribution to community and political life in his area and the county at large.