Appointment of council’s new chief is ratified

The appointment of the first woman to head up a local authority in Kerry was unanimously ratified yesterday.

Moira Murrell, who has worked as a divisional manager with Cork County Council, was endorsed as chief executive by Kerry County Council.

A native of Killarney, she returns to Kerry County Council, where she began her career in local government over 20 years ago.

She succeeds Tom Curran, who retired as his seven-year contract ended.

Fianna Fáil councillor Norma Foley said Ms Murrell was eminently qualified for the position and had served at a number of levels in local government with distinction.

“This is a tremendous day for this local authority,” said Ms Foley.

Independent councillor Michael Gleeson said Ms Murrell had the capacity to inspire and to ensure excellence became the norm.

Ms Murrell started her career in Kerry County Council in 1993, having completed her education in the University of Limerick.

She subsequently obtained a masters degree while working with the council.

She moved to Cork County Council in 2007 as a director of services, in which capacity she served for three years in the West Cork division.

In 2010, she was appointed divisional manager with responsibility for the North Cork region.

During her time in Kerry County Council, she worked in a number of sections and also in Killarney Town Council.

Living in her home town of Killarney, she is the daughter of Mary and the late Charles Murrell.

She is married to Brendan O’Neill and the couple have three-year-old triplets, Patrick, Mary Anna, and Charles.

Ms Murrell takes up her position on August 5.