Waterford's youngest councillor, Kate O'Mahoney, is officially co-opted

Following the election of Conor McGuinness to the Dáil, Sinn Féin have chosen Dungarvan native Kate O’Mahoney to take his place on Waterford Council.

Cllr O’Mahoney was formally co-opted this week at a special Plenary meeting held at City Hall, officially making her one of the country’s youngest councillors.

Her co-option was proposed by party colleague Cllr Catherine Burke and seconded by Cllr Donnchadh Mulcahy.

Since the age of 16, Kate O'Mahoney has been a republican activist, with a deep interest in politics and public service.

She studied Law and Politics at University College Dublin, before joining Roscommon and Galway TD Claire Kerrane's parliamentary team in Leinster House.

Speaking in the Council Chamber this week, Cllr Catherine Burke described Cllr O'Mahoney as "an exceptional young woman, with the passion and dedication required to represent the people of Dungarvan and Waterford."

Cllr Burke added: “At just 23, Kate has built an impressive track record, underpinned by her passion for fairness, equality and opportunity.

"It is my honour and privilege to propose Kate O'Mahoney and I have every confidence she will meet this role with the same dedication and determination of Conor McGuinness."

In seconding the co-option, Cllr Donnchadh Mulcahy said: "She's been a republican activist since the age of 16 and she's grounded in our community through youth and sports organisations. 

"I would also like to wish my friend and comrade, Conor McGuinness the very best as he represents Waterford in the Dáil. We have a team of seven councillors, two TDs and an MEP representing Waterford and it's a team that I'm very proud to be part of."

Taking her seat for the first time amongst her new colleagues in the Chamber, Cllr. Kate O'Mahoney said: “First of all I would like to congratulate Deputy Conor McGuinness on his election to Dáil Éireann. I have no doubt he will be a strong voice for the people of Waterford in Leinster House.

“I would also like to thank my family and friends for supporting me throughout my life and helping me to get to where I am today. I come from a proud family of Irish republicans, Sinn Féin supporters and trade union activists. 

"I will give this role my all and my full-time commitment. As the youngest representative on the council and the only female representative in the Dungarvan LEA, I believe I can bring my expertise and ideas to the table."

Cllr O'Mahoney outlined housing, the need for local amenities/facilities and mental health in particular for young people, as key priorities.

“I promise to be a voice, not just for some, but a voice for all," she concluded.