Dear guests,

Dear volunteers,

Dear performers,

Dear donors and sponsors,

Dear municipal staff,

Dear family,

Dear friends

Dearest  Lord Mayor,

5 years ago, my mother was diagnosed with a cancer. After a second wave of chemotherapy, it became clear she could not cope with the pain at home anymore. We had done not our best to ease her pain, to be the best possible support, but we had also reached out limits. She asked to be transferred to a palliative care centre.

On 23 June 2023 I became the Lady Mayoress of Cork. I accessed this position through the nomination of my partner, Kieran McCarthy, to the Lord Mayoralty of the second city of Ireland.

The role, functions and responsibilities of a Lord Mayor are clear. But what about those of a Lady Mayoress?