Tributes paid to Cllr Sean Smith on his passing

Tributes are being paid to Cavan County Councillor Sean Smith from Bawnboy who passed away earlier today.

The Fianna Fáil representative is a brother of Deputy Brendan Smith, TD.

Cllr Smith passed away on Sunday, January 15, after an illness bravely bourne.

The former Cathaoirleach had served the people of west Cavan on the local authority for the past 43 years.

He was first elected to Cavan County Council in 1979, representing the Belturbet Electoral Area, and was re-elected on seven occasions since.

Current Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Cllr John Paul Feeley, led the tributes to Cllr Smith, stating, “I am very sorry to hear the of the death of Councillor Sean Smith. He has borne his long illness stoically, continuing his dedicated service on Cavan County Council, most recently joining the Corporate Policy Group Meeting on Thursday, 5th January and the Monthly Meeting on Monday, 9th January on-line.

“I have known Sean all of my life, my own father having served on the Council with him from 1985. I always valued and respected his wise judgement, clear thinking, insight and practical approach. I offer my sincere condolences to Ann, Emer, Áine, Killian and Conor, their spouses and fiancée, his grandchildren, of whom he was especially proud, and wider family, his brothers and sister, especially his brother, Deputy Brendan,” added Cllr Feeley.

Chief Executive of Cavan County Council, Mr Tommy Ryan, added: “In my time at Cavan County Council, I have been struck by Sean’s commitment, compassion, and genial nature, matched only by his determination to always do what was best for his community and his county.

“His record of 43 years’ service on Cavan County Council is testament to the high regard in which he was held locally. On behalf of the management and staff of Cavan County Council, I offer my deepest condolences to his wife Ann, daughters Eimear and Áine, sons Conor and Kilian, brothers and sister, and his extended family and many friends,” added Mr Ryan.

A member of the Fianna Fáil party, Cllr Smith held the position of Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council from 1989 - ’90 and again from 2003 - ’04, was member of many committees, including the board of Cavan Monaghan ETB, and was the sitting Chair of the Transportation, Infrastructure, and Emergency Services Strategic Policy Committee (SPC).

Cllr Smith was predeceased by his parents John F. and Jane, his sister Sr. Kathleen and his brother Stephen.

Dearly beloved husband of Anne (née Byrne-Kingscourt), much loved father to Eimear (Shane McManus), Áine (Cian O’Brien), Conor (Leanne Connell) and Kilian (Jordan Lambe), and adored grandfather to Enda, Dearbhla, Senan, Ríain and Méabh. Sadly missed by his sister Carmel Fitzgerald (London), brothers Hughie (Ann-Oxford), Noel, Fr Tommy, Ben and Brendan (Anne), his brothers-in-law Pat and Seamus, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours, a wide circle of friends and his Council and Cavan/Monaghan ETB colleagues.

Reposing at Smith's Funeral Home, High Street, Ballinamore (N41TD62) on this Monday evening from 5pm until 8pm. Removal from his home on Tuesday arriving to St. Mogue's Church Bawnboy for Funeral Mass at 1pm followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Family flowers only, please.

Donations in lieu, if desired, to Cavan/Monaghan Palliative Care Service c/o Smith's Funeral Directors

Funeral Mass may be viewed on www.churchtv.ie/bawnboy or on the Corlough-Templeport Parish Facebook page.

House strictly private at all times please.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.