Tributes paid to Cavan 9/11 survivor who passes away in the States

Tributes have been paid to the late Hugh P. Smith, Cavan man and survivor of the 9/11 Twin Towers collapse, who sadly passed away last week, April 9.

“He was generous with his time, and he was genuine with it,” said Councillor Shane P. O’Reilly, having proposed a vote of sympathy to Mr Smith’s family, which includes his chamber colleague, Fine Gael’s Val Smith.

Speaking at the April monthly meeting of Cavan County Council, Cllr O’Reilly continued by explaining how the late Mr Smith, a native of Termon who went on to make Warwick, New York his home, had survived the 9/11 attacks.

“Had he not taken the elevator that day...” said the Independent Ireland representative.

Despite suffering what were described as “serious injuries” to his back, Mr Smith remained at what would become known as Ground Zero to aid others.

“He was a man who helped out so many people,” stated Cllr O’Reilly.

If people found themselves on hard times and “with no one to turn to” Mr Smith was often there to offer a shoulder of support.

Cllr O’Reilly said he met Mr Smith, a member of the Cavan P & B Association of New York, and witnessed his generosity of spirit first-hand when travelling to New York as the county’s first citizen.

“The world is a better place,” said Cllr O’Reilly for having had Mr Smith’s imprint on it.

There were tributes from others too. Sinn Féin’s Damien Brady said it had been a “privilege” to meet Mr Smith, while Fianna Fáil’s Niall Smith remembered how the Virginia man could often be found at Gaelic Park on a Sunday.

The Cavan P & B Association of New York separately paid tribute to the late Mr Smith in a post shared on social media.

An active member for many years, and a past Guest of Honour, Mr Smith also donned the Santa suit for the annual Christmas party. “Hughie will be missed by all those who knew him. The world is a little less [bright] without his shining star.”

Predeceased by his brother John A. Smith and his sister-in-law Gertie (Murphy), Mr Smith is survived by his wife Bonnie; children Margaret Mary Canjura (Marlon) and Nicholas Smith (Brooke); siblings Nicholas Smith and Moira Geraghty (Andy); granddaughters Emma and Chloe, nieces and nephews.

Mr Smith’s Funeral will take place in New York on April 24.