The Golden native was nominated by fellow party colleague Michael Murphy and seconded by John Cross – he was elected by a vote of 24 to 16.
The only other nominee was Independent Joe Hannigan. He was nominated by Sinn Fein's Seamus Morris and seconded by Workers and Unemployed Action group member Pat English.
The control of the new local authority is made up of Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Independent Councillor Eddie O'Meara.
Fianna Fail's John Carroll was elected as Leas Cathaoirlach.
