The newly elected Mayor of Killarney has paid a fond tribute to his late father saying: “He’s smiling down on me today,” following his appointment.

The new Cathaoirligh and Leas-Cathaoirligh for the Municipal Districts in Kerry were elected at the respective Annual Meetings held at Áras an Chontae on Monday morning.

Cllr Martin O’Grady has become the third generation and fourth member of his family to hold the title of Mayor of Killarney, a role he described as both humbling and a blessing.
His grandfather John O’Grady, uncle Seán, and father Donal all served on the council before him, continuing a proud family legacy of public service.
Cllr Grady was nominated by Cllr Niall Botty O’Callaghan, which was seconded by Cllr Brendan Cronin.
Cllr Grady outlined several key priorities for his term as Mayor. These include increasing the availability of social and affordable housing for young families, reducing planning restrictions for those seeking to build on family land, and advancing Phase 1 of the Derreen Sports Complex project.
Fellow councillors congratulated Cllr Grady on his appointment and wished him every success in his new role.
Outgoing Mayor, Independent Cllr Maura Healy-Rae, described the position as both a huge achievement and honour. She said while it’s a busy and demanding role she expressed full confidence that Cllr Grady would rise to the challenge, adding that his late father would be “charmed to see him in the chair.”
Cllr John O’Donoghue was elected as Leas-Cathaoirleach of the Killarney Municipal District. He was nominated by Cllr Brendan Cronin, with the nomination seconded by Cllr Maura Healy-Rae.