Garda, firefighter and now world’s youngest mayor

Given the questionable standards highlighted in local politics in recent times, maybe Kildare has it right by appointing a seven-year-old boy as its first citizen.

Young Dylan Steele from Barrowhouse in Athy had the honour of being Ireland’s and, perhaps the world’s youngest ever mayor — even if it was just for a day.

Dylan suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a life threatening inherited disorder that involves rapidly worsening muscle weakness.

This wasn’t just a photo opportunity either. Dylan was a bona fide elected mayor. He was formally proposed and seconded at a ceremony in Kildare and was formally elected the 68th Mayor of Kildare. No mean feat when you are just seven-years-old.

Dylan’s mother Paula said the event was organised by current mayor Cllr Michael ‘Spike’ Nolan and admitted to being overwhelmed for the effort put in to make Dylan’s day one to remember.

“Words can’t describe it really, I had a lump in my throat all day. It was just fantastic,” she said.

“He is definitely Ireland’s youngest ever mayor and we are going to get onto the Guinness Book of Records to see if it’s a world record.”

However, unlike many politicians, Dylan didn’t rest on his laurels once elected into high office.

During his short term, he was straight into mayoral duties and paid an official visit to Naas Fire Station.

“The fire crew came and collected him in the truck and brought him to the fire station. He went on duty there for a while and received a plaque for his work there. He just loved it, it was just fantastic,” Paula said.

Recently, with the Share a Dream Foundation and the assistance of the gardaí in Athy, Dylan got the chance to serve as a garda at the Aviva Stadium during the Ireland Vs Italy rugby game.

“He’s been busy. He’s been a mayor, a garda and a fireman recently so he’s been in a lot of jobs,” joked his proud mum Paula.

Further events are being planned to raise money to help with Dylan’s treatment including a table quiz on Apr 14 in Skinner Murphys Pub Ballylinan in Laois, while a Monster Road Run and family day on May 27 in the Hunting Ground in Athy is also planned.