About me

I was born and raised in the Curragh Camp and throughout my life I have also lived in Brownstown and Kildare Town. I am currently living in Monasterevin, with my Wife and Daughter and have been actively involved in Community and Youth Work for over two decades.

I joined the Irish Defence Forces in July 1988 where I served for 35 years before retiring in 2022. During that time, I served at every enlisted rank and had the honour of becoming a Regimental Sergeant Major. I completed ten overseas deployments, including service in Lebanon and on a range of United Nations and international Peace Support missions.

The values I learned throughout my military career are Service, Integrity, Teamwork, Resilience and Responsibility and they continue to guide how I approach my work as a Public Representative.

Military service also runs deeply through my family. Across four generations, my family has provided more than 90 years of unbroken service to the State and we continue that proud tradition today. That tradition has given me a lasting appreciation of public duty and of the sacrifices made by serving personnel and their families.

My involvement in Voluntary Youth Work began in 2006, and I helped establish Monasterevin Youth Club in 2007 and Monasterevin Youth Action in 2013. Working alongside dedicated volunteers, I have seen the difference that safe spaces, positive relationships and strong adult role models can make in the lives of young people.

I currently work in Learning and Development with Scouting Ireland, supporting the training of adult volunteers across the organisation. I hold a BA in Training and Education from NUI Galway and Level 7 qualifications from Maynooth University in  community development and leadership, youth studies, and community work. I am now continuing that journey through a Master of Education at Maynooth University.

I was elected to Kildare County Council in June 2024. I now bring together my Military Leadership, Professional Experience and long-standing Community Involvement to represent the people of the Kildare Local Electoral Area as County Councillor.

My priorities

My priorities are shaped by the concerns people raise with me every day and by my own experience of living, working and raising a family in our community.

I want to see balanced investment across the Kildare–Newbridge Municipal District, ensuring that Smaller Towns and Rural Communities receive their fair share of Public Services, Infrastructure and Funding.

My key priorities include:

• Improving public transport and active-travel infrastructure, road safety, and pedestrian facilities.
• Supporting the delivery of affordable housing and helping individuals and families experiencing housing difficulties.
• Investing in youth services, community facilities, sporting organisations and the volunteers who sustain them.
• Ensuring that children and young people, particularly those with additional needs, can access suitable education and support within their own communities.
• Supporting older people, people with disabilities, veterans and families who may feel overlooked by existing services.
• Supporting a properly resourced Defence Forces that can protect the State, fulfil Ireland’s international commitments and provide appropriate support to serving personnel, veterans and military families.

Above all, my priority is effective local representation. That means being available, treating every person with respect and continuing to pursue issues even when progress is slow. Not every problem has a quick solution, but every person deserves an honest response and a representative who will make a genuine effort on their behalf.

My background

Councillor Pat Balfe represents the Kildare Local Electoral Area and the communities of the Kildare–Newbridge Municipal District.

Based in Monasterevin, Pat has devoted much of his life to Public Service, Community Development and Supporting Young People. He served in the Irish Defence Forces for 35 years, rising through every enlisted rank to become a Regimental Sergeant Major. 

During his military career, he completed ten overseas deployments and served in a range of UN and international Peace-Support Missions.

Pat’s commitment to service is also deeply rooted in his family, which has proudly provided more than 90 years of unbroken service to the State across four generationsand continues today.

For almost two decades, Pat has played a leading role in Monasterevin Youth Action and helped establish Monasterevin Youth Club. Professionally, he works in Learning and Development with Scouting Ireland, supporting the training and development of Adult Volunteers who deliver quality Scouting experiences to Young People throughout the Country.

Pat holds a BA in Training and Education, along with qualifications in community development, youth studies and community work. He is currently completing a Master of Education at Maynooth University.

First elected to Kildare County Council in June 2024, Pat brings extensive Leadership Experience, a Strong Record of Community Involvement and a Practical approach to Local Representation. His Focus is on securing Better Services, Safer Communities and Fair Opportunities for People of all Ages.