Curtin elected as new cathaoirleach

Seamus Enright

At Cavan Council Chamber

Fergal Curtin has become the new cathaoirleach for Cavan County Council, replacing Paddy Smith.

The Fianna Fail man was proposed and seconded by party colleagues Clifford Kelly and Sarah O'Reilly.

The Lavey man said that he looks forward to the year, and will use chair to lobby for the betterment of services in rural Ireland, on issues such as broadband.

He takes over the chain of office from Paddy Smith of Fine Gael as Cathaorleach. Tributes were paid by all parties and executive to the dedication of the Ballyjamesduff man over the last 12 months. 

Paddy Smith said it had been a 'mad busy year' and stressed that he did his best to represent the county at as many events as possible. He said that the New York St Patrick's Day parade was the highlight of his term.

Sinn Fein's Paddy McDonald was also elected unopposed as leas cathaoirleach.

Cllr Cutin told his fellow members that he looked forward to the 'busy year ahead', and to working with his fellow elected members to 'give a voice to the issues that matter for the people of the county.'