Cllr Sarah Reilly of the Kells Municipal District (MD) was elected Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Buvinda House, Navan, on the morning of Monday, 8 June 2026. Cllr Reilly, elected Cathaoirleach for the first time, succeeds Cllr Wayne Harding (Laytown/Bettystown MD), who handed over the chains earlier today following his year in office.
Monday’s AGM also saw the election of Cllr Alan Tobin of the Ashbourne MD as Leas-Chathaoirleach of Meath County Council, taking over from Cllr Caroline O’Reilly of the Ratoath MD.
Speaking after the AGM, the new Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Sarah Reilly, said: “I am deeply honoured to be elected Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council. I would like to acknowledge the excellent work of Cllr Harding over the past 12 months, and I am looking forward to working with my fellow Elected Members and the Executive to continue delivering for the people of Meath over the coming year.”
Former Cathaoirleach Cllr Wayne Harding said: “It has been a great honour to serve as Cathaoirleach over the past year and I would like to thank my fellow councillors, the Chief Executive and all staff for their support, and I warmly congratulate Cllr Reilly on her election. I wish her every success for the year ahead.”
Chief Executive of Meath County Council Kieran Kehoe said: “The role of Cathaoirleach is central to the leadership and governance of the Council, representing the county and its people at the highest level. I would like to thank Cllr Harding for his commitment and service over the past year and congratulate Cllr Reilly on her election. I look forward to working closely with her during her term.
“I would also like to commend Cllr Caroline O’Reilly for her excellent work as Leas-Chathaoirleach since June 2025 and congratulate our new Leas-Chathaoirleach Cllr Alan Tobin and wish him luck for his term.”
