'The type of person that empowered people': Cork City Council celebrates former chief executive

The Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Dan Boyle, hosted a civic reception at City Hall for Ann Doherty, former chief executive of Cork City Council to acknowledge her contribution to the city.

In 2014, Ms Doherty made history by becoming the first female chief executive of Cork City Council. In 2019, she oversaw the largest local authority boundary extension in the history of the State, which saw Cork city grow to five times its previous size.

Ms Doherty opted to extend her contract in 2021 for a further three years, serving the maximum tenure period possible, 10 years.

She was replaced as chief executive by Valerie O’Sullivan last year, who was present at the civic reception, along with several elected members, those who worked with her over the last decade, and Ms Doherty’s family.

In November 2024, Ms Doherty took up her current role as chief executive officer at the Port of Cork Company.

At the civic reception on Wednesday, the Lord Mayor praised Ms Doherty’s leadership and her pivotal role in transforming Cork.

“Ann’s commitment to sustainability, urban development, and community engagement left an indelible mark on our city. Her strategic leadership during the boundary extension and throughout the covid-19 pandemic showcased her resilience and strategic acumen,” Mr Boyle said.

Former lord mayor, Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy, told The Echo that the civic reception was “very much warranted”.

“What always struck me during my mayoral period and before was her management style, it always impressed me. She seemed to bring out the best in people.

“I found her very supportive — she was just that type of person who empowered people. When there was a challenge, she’d see how we could work together rather than blaming.

“My time as mayor was quite animated and she gave lots of support. In the middle of the most serious of things she would be resolving it with a level of wit. One of best things she did was put in a very good management structure with directors of service who are interested in their work and work closer with councillors.”