Former council employee remembered

The late Marian Smith (née O’Reilly), a former employee of Cavan County Council, was remembered by councillors at their November monthly meeting.

Mrs Smith, of Knockalla, Bailieborough Road, Virginia, passed away October 10. She was predeceased by her parents Michael Anthony and Molly (nee Plunkett), and most recently by her loving husband John Smith (January 26, 2023). Her death was mourned by her auntie Barbara Lynch (Cavan), her uncle Jimmy Plunkett (Ballyjamesduff), cousin Tina Plunkett, sisters in law Anne and Rosemary, niece and grandnieces, cousins, neighbours, friends, ex-colleagues in Cavan County Council and Fine Gael.

Tributes to Mrs Smith were led by Fine Gael’s TP O’Reilly who said that anyone who encountered Mrs Smith “knew her as an outgoing and enthusiastic lady”.

He added: “I for one will sorely miss her as a friend and a colleague”.

Her death, he said, had “left a void in the lives of so many”.

The vote of condolence proposed by Cllr O’Reilly was seconded by Trevor Smith who described Mrs Smith as a “leading light in Virginia” but noted how she “never forgot her roots in Ballyjamesduff”.

He remembered the role she played in the setting up of Taste of Cavan food festival.

Fianna Fáil’s Patricia Walsh described Mrs Smith as “a lady” who, regardless of politics, “got on with everyone".

"She was always there to listen. She was a good friend to so many.”

Independent Cllr Shane P. O’Reilly told the council meeting that Mrs Smith always made time for people, and for councillors, especially in the week leading up to an election. “I’ve never seen as stylish a person. People will come and go. Her memory will live a long time.”

Fellow Independent Brendan Fay said Mrs Smith was a “great character”.

“She loved the arts and she loved the drama,” he added.

Clifford Kelly (FF) remembered Mrs Smith as having a “heart of gold”.

“If she could help you, she would.”

Cllr Peter McVitty (FG) said he knew Mrs Smith “a lifetime”, while Sinn Fein’s Paddy McDonald said her death was a loss to the community.

The respects were shared by all councillors in the chamber.