“I am so proud to say that I am from Killybegs” - Mayor Christine Cunningham

In an emotional ceremony on Sunday evening, Christine Fallon Cunningman was bestowed with the title of Mayor of Killybegs.

Before announcing the result, Chairperson of Killybegs Summer Festival Shaun Curran told those gathered that Christine and fellow candidate Dylan Furey would both make excellent mayors. He thanked them both for their contribution and fundraising efforts in the mayoral campaign.

The friendship and camaraderie that developed between the two candidates was evident as they stood holding hands on stage, awaiting the result of the public vote.

After announcing the winner, Shaun said: “Christine, everyone in this town is behind you.”

Christine thanked everyone who had voted for her and supported her fundraising and her campaign. 

In a tearful expression of gratitude, she shared how it had been a very emotional week for her family. Dillon Feely, the partner of Christine’s daughter Aine, suffered horrific burns after the digger he was driving came into contact with an overhead power line. 

Since the accident, there has been an overwhelming response to a GoFundMe fundraiser to support the family through the difficult times ahead.

“I am so proud to say that I am from Killybegs because the people are so great,” said Christine. 

“The money we have raised for the festival and for my charity, it will help another family in need like Killybegs has helped Aine and Dillon and the Feely family.”

Christine’s fundraising will support the Killybegs Summer Festival and the Kevin Bell Trust which helps with repatriation costs when someone dies abroad.

Christine thanked everyone for their support for her campaign, and she had a special word of thanks for fellow candidate Dylan.

“We had great fun,” she said. 

Christine was presented with the chain of office from outgoing mayor, Anne Marie Bourke. 

Dylan also thanked everyone who had supported his campaign.