Moira confirmed as new Kerry County Manager

A WEEK of speculation finally came to an end on Tuesday with confirmation that Killarney woman Moira Murrell will be the new Kerry County Manager.

Speaking to The Kerryman on Tuesday afternoon Kerry County Council Press Officer Padraig Corkery confirmed what had been widely speculated in her native town, and around the county.

“We received notification through today from the Public Appointments Service recommending Moira to take over as County Manager from Tom Curran.

“The next step will be the ratification of this appointment by the elected members,” Padraig Corkerty said.

“We have no start date as yet but I would assume that she would have to finish her notice in Cork County Council first,” he added.

The Killarney woman, who is originally from the Rock Road but now lives in Muckross with her family, will create history when she starts work at County Building as the first female council chief executive in Ireland.

The incoming Kerry County Manager is married to Cahersiveen native Brendan O'Neill and has three young children. She will be well known to many of her new staff having previously worked in both Killarney Town Council and Kerry County Council, mainly in financial roles. More recently Ms Murrell has worked as the Division Manager in Cork County Council and as Assistant County Manager.

The appointment has sparked great excitement in her native Killarney, where the Murrell family is well known. Her mother Mary still lives in Killarney and she also has three siblings, John, Breda and Margaret.