New council leader for Limerick's county town

By Nick Rabbitts

Published 12th Jun 2025, 14:02 BST

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Fianna Fail's Michael Collins takes chain of office for Newcastle West district

VETERAN Fianna Fail councillor Michael Collins has been elected as the new leader of Newcastle West's municipal district on the local authority.

First elected in 2004, and an auctioneer by trade, he succeeds Abbeyfeale man Liam Galvin of Fine Gael in the chair.

placeholder image — First elected in 2004, and an auctioneer by trade, he succeeds Abbeyfeale man Liam Galvin of Fine Gael in the chair.

His election was unanimous, with the pair pictured above by Paul Mullins.

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Back in 2020/2021, Cllr Collins served a term as the Mayor of Limerick, a year dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Earlier in that year, he was a Fianna Fail running mate to Niall Collins in the General Election, missing out on an Oireachtas seat by a whisker.

As leader, or chair of the Newcastle West district, he will have an important role in speaking up for Limerick's county town.

Limerick Limerick City and County Council Newcastle West