Cllr Sarah Reilly of the Kells Municipal District has been elected Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council at the local authority’s Annual General Meeting, held at Buvinda House in Navan on Monday, 8 June 2026.
It marks the first time Cllr Reilly has been elected to the role. She succeeds Cllr Wayne Harding of the Laytown/Bettystown Municipal District, who completed his term in office and formally handed over the chain of office at the meeting.
The AGM also saw the election of Cllr Alan Tobin of the Ashbourne Municipal District as Leas Chathaoirleach of Meath County Council.
Cllr Tobin takes over the position from Cllr Caroline O’Reilly of the Ratoath Municipal District.
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.”
