An Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway
Councillor Andrew Reddington was elected Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway for the year 2026/2027 at the Annual General Meeting of Galway County Council, held on 19th June 2026.
A member of Fine Gael, Cathaoirleach Reddington was first elected to Galway County Council at the 2019 Local Elections. A native of Claran, Headford, he represents the Tuam Municipal District.
Cathaoirleach Reddington has a strong background in community development. He works with GRETB in Youthreach, is a part-time suckler farmer, and is actively involved in community and voluntary organisations. He is a community volunteer with the Headford St Patrick’s Day Parade and Christmas Lights committees, Chairperson of Little Acorns-Kilcoon Community Childcare and a coach with Headford GAA.
His priorities as Cathaoirleach are:
- To improve cooperation with Uisce Éireann to help enable much-needed infrastructure projects to progress across the county.
- Continue to work closely with the IDA and Enterprise Ireland to secure further investment from multinational and indigenous Irish companies.
- This will be a very important year for Galway as Ireland takes up the EU Presidency and it is important that our county benefits from the opportunities that this brings.
- The progressing of major infrastructure projects such as the Galway Ring Road project and ensure that every effort is made to deliver this vital piece of infrastructure for the county.
- Continue to make the case for increased investment in local government. He will impress upon central government that increased funding is required for Galway County Council to deliver the vital services that people depend on.
- To use his term in office to recognise the contribution of communities and volunteers across Galway. During his term as Cathaoirleach, he wants to celebrate the wonderful work carried out by volunteers and community and voluntary groups across County Galway. He also will support the development of County Galway’s first County Sports Plan as well as assist the Local Community Safety Partnership in progressing the Local Community Safety Plan.
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 AGM of Galway County Council held on 19th June 2026 Cllr. Michael Regan was elected Leas Cathaoirleach of County Galway. Cllr. Regan was first elected to Galway County Council in 1999. He represents the Loughrea Electoral Area and previously served as An Cathaoirleach in 2001-2002.