An Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway
Councillor David Collins was elected Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council for the year 2025/2026 at the Annual General Meeting on 20th June 2025.
Cathaoirleach Collins is a member of Fine Gael. He was first elected as an Elected Member at the 2019 Local Elections. He is a native of Turloughmore and represents the Municipal District of Athenry Oranmore.
Cathaoirleach Collins’ professional background is in Community Development, Business and Enterprise. He is employed as Project Manager in the Community Development Sector in Tuam.
His priorities are:
- Support better investment in local amenities
- Work with the childcare Sector for investment locally
- Involve services in community safety and rural isolation
- Create safer spaces and roads for our community
- Support the farming community in an ever-changing environment
- Prioritise the delivery of affordable housing for our communities.
- Support community positive Mental Health Initiatives.
- Ensure infrastructure development is a priority for our areas.
The Cathaoirleach's Ball 2026
The Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Cllr David Collins, has announced details of this year’s Cathaoirleach’s Ball, which will take place on Sunday, 31st May at the Raheen Woods Hotel in Athenry.
Proceeds from the annual gala event will go to the National Breast Cancer Research Institute and Epilepsy Ireland.
The National Breast Cancer Research Institute funds a research programme at the University of Galway focused on improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes. Currently, 1 in 7 Irish women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, with more than 3,500 cases identified each year.
Epilepsy Ireland, established in 1966, supports people living with epilepsy and their families through community-based services, education and advocacy. The organisation also works to raise public awareness of the condition and improve services and care nationwide.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Collins said the event provides an opportunity for people to support two organisations carrying out important work, while also bringing the community together for an evening of entertainment.
“I want to acknowledge the public and business community who have always generously supported this annual event, which has raised much-needed funds for charities over the years. I hope the funds raised this year will contribute to the ongoing work of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute and Epilepsy Ireland at local, national and international levels,” he said.
Music on the night will be provided by Weightless Astronauts, with Galway Bay FM broadcaster Ronan Lardner acting as MC.
Tickets for the event are available through Corporate Services at Galway County Council, Prospect Hill. Those interested can contact 091 509316 or email secretary@galwaycoco.ie.
Office of An Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council
An Cathaoirleach is the First Citizen of the County, taking precedence over all others, except the President, when attending events or functions within the Galway County Council area.
An Cathaoirleach is elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) every June and serves for a one year term. The responsibilities of An Cathaoirleach include the following:
- Chairing of Council Meetings
- Representing the Council at local, national and international events
- Bestowing Civic Honours on groups and citizens within the County
- The awarding of Cathaoirleach’s Awards to groups and citizens from within the County
An Leas-Cathaoirleach
An Leas-Cathaoirleach is also elected at the Council AGM every June. They deputise for An Cathaoirleach in the event that they are unable to attend a meeting or event.
At the Council AGM on 20th June, Cllr. Mary Hoade was elected as Leas Cathaoirleach. Cllr. Hoade was first elected to Galway County Council in 1999. She represents the Tuam Local Electoral Area and previously served as An Cathaoirleach in 2014-2015.