History made as Kathleen Dempsey becomes first woman elected to the Corporation

History was made in Drogheda last week with the election of the first woman to the Corporation since that body was established over five and a half centuries ago.

72 years old Fine Gael candidate, Mrs. Kathleen Dempsey (right), Sandyford Terrace, who fought the I960 elections and was defeated by a mere six votes, proved that the ward system was a winner for her. Particularly well known in the north east section of the town, she annexed 461 first preferences in the St. Laurence Gate Ward and, on the 7th count, was declared elected.

The same Ward also provided another remarkable feature with the defeat of the outgoing Mayor, Peadar Martin. Associated with the public life of Louth for the past 20 years, both as a member of the Co. Council and the Corporation, he stood this year on a Fine Geel ticket. A family connection with the public life of Drogheda was established after a lapse of more than 130 years, with the election of Mr. Donal Fairtlough.

This 29-year-old assistant production manager with the firm of Becton Dickinson and Co., is descended from a family long associated with Drogheda civic affairs.