Líne Duty: New Mayor of Kilkenny elected

Kilkenny has a new mayor.

Councillor Andrew McGuinness , who has been Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council for the past year, was elected unopposed at City Hall on Friday.

Cllr McGuinness takes over the role from Councillor John Coonan (FF) and will be assisted by newly elected Deputy Mayor Martin Brett (FG).

Afterwards, the guitar-playing Fianna Fáil councillor took to social media, saying “it’s a privilege and an honour” to be elected Mayor of Kilkenny.

“I want to thank all of my fellow elected members for their kind words and for putting their trust in me to represent Kilkenny as Mayor for the next year,” said Cllr McGuinness, whose father John is the well-known Fianna Fáil TD.

“To my parents, brothers and sister, family, friends and supporters, I will be forever grateful for your help, encouragement, guidance and support.

“To Carol, Jack & Phoebe, thanks for putting up with me, you make everything worthwhile. I could not this without you.

“I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead and will represent Kilkenny as Mayor to the best of my ability,” the new Mayor added.