Profile of Current Lord Mayor

Councillor Fergal Dennehy, Ardmhéara Chorcaí

Lord Mayor's biography

Fergal Dennehy, a native of Togher, Cork, was educated at Togher National School and Coláiste Íognáid Rís Secondary School and University College Cork. Fergal is a proud father of Evan and Ciara.

Currently residing in Bishopstown, Fergal has been a passionate community activist from a young age, inspired by his family’s strong legacy of service. His father, John Dennehy served as a City Councillor, Alderman, Lord Mayor of Cork and as a four term T.D. Fergal's late mother, Phil Dennehy, and his father were founder members of Togher Community Association C.L.G. over fifty years ago. Phil was also a founder member of Togher Meals on Wheels and was Community Council secretary for thirteen years. His father, John, is currently Chairman and has been so on many occasions over his fifty two years of service. Fergal, Phil and John have a combined one hundred and ten year’s service to community development and many projects.

Building on this legacy, Fergal has served as a community secretary for over three decades. He is a founding member and the current secretary of the renowned Togher Boxing Club and remains deeply involved in community initiatives, including the Lehenaghmore Community Facilities Project.

Fergal's contributions to the Community & Voluntary sector are extensive. He has held roles such as Chairperson of Cork City Community Forum, Vice Chairperson of Cork City Partnership, Chairperson of the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), and Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork (2017–2018). He currently serves as a board member of Leisureworld, is a member of the Southern Regional Assembly, and a representative on several Cork City Council committees, including the Environment, Water & Amenity, and Strategic Economic Development, Enterprise & Planning Strategic Policy Committees. Additionally, he sits on the Cork Area Strategic Plan (CASP) Committee and Comhairle na nÓg. On an international stage, Fergal represents Ireland as an alternate delegate to the Committee of the Regions in Brussels.

First co-opted to Cork City Council in 2003, Fergal was subsequently elected in 2004, 2014, 2019, and 2024, securing the first seat in the Cork City South-West Ward in the last two elections.

Fergal is particularly passionate about youth and community development, advocating for access to facilities and opportunities that enable young people to realize their full potential. His studies in Non-Formal Guidance at University College Cork (UCC) have further enhanced his ability to support and guide young people effectively.

In a professional capacity, Fergal works as a Facilities & Warehouse Manager at Architectural & Metal Systems, an Irish owned aluminium extrusion and systems supplier based in Little Island.

When Fergal isn’t busy with constituency work, he enjoys tackling DIY projects, fishing, watching GAA matches, and walks along the beach.