John Shéamais Ó Fearraigh elected Cathaoirleach of Glenties MD

John Shéamais Ó Fearraigh has been elected as the new Cathaoirleach of the Glenties Municipal District.

The Gweedore-based Sinn Féin Councillor was installed to the role at Friday morning's AGM of the Glenties MD at the Dungloe Public Services Centre.

Independent Councillor Michael McClafferty will serve as Leas Cathaoirlach of the Glenties MD for the next 12 months.

Councilloir Ó Fearraigh is in his third term on Donegal County Council.

At the recent local elections, he claimed 970 first preferences. He was elected on the tenth and final count at the Highlands Hotel, grabbing some 346 transfers from party colleague Kellie Rodgers following her elimination.

He was elected with 1,727 votes on the tenth count and previously served as the Cathaoirleach of the Glenties MD in 2019.

“It was a huge challenge,” the Machaire Chlochair resident told Donegal Live following his election.

“I am delighted to be elected for the next five years to represent the community. I want to deliver for the people going forward. I had the work done over the past five years and I was glad that it all came together.”

Councillor McClafferty was two votes in excess of the quota, earning 1,885 first preferences, his vote up by around 900 from his 2019 total.