Labour's sole representative on the local authority, Fiona Bonfield has been elected as Cathaoirleach of the Nenagh Municipal council.
The Newport native defeated Independent Joe Hannigan by 6 votes to 3. Councillor Hannigan surprised many by also voting for Councillor Bonfield.
The first time councillor will lead the nine member authority for the next twelve months with Independent Hughie McGrath as Leas Cathaoirleach.
She was proposed by Fine Gael's Phyl Bugler and seconded by Fianna Fáil's Mattie Ryan Coole.
