Sympathies were expressed at this week's sitting of the Cavan-Belturbet Municipal District following the death of long-standing councillor, Sean Smith. It marked the first sitting of the local authority, since Cllr Smith passed away last month.
Paying tribute, Cathaoirleach of the Cavan-Belturbet MD, Patricia Walsh, described the late Sean Smith as a "pure gentle man." According to Cllr Walsh, the late Sean Smith was a "hardworking councillor", who cared dearly for both his family and community. She added that he worked tirelessly to save local schools and that he will missed as a friend and colleague."
The proposal to send sympathies on to the Smith family was seconded by Cllr John Paul Feeley. Paying tribute to the work ethic of his former Fianna Fail colleague, Cllr Feeley credited Cllr Smith who despite being in ill-health, continued to contribute to the best of his ability to the local authority. He added that Cllr Smith was involved in "every part" of community life and in every aspect of his life was a "hard worker."
In a heartfelt tribute, Cllr Peter McVitty acknowledged that the late Sean Smith had went through a "very tough few years" prior to his death, yet he still managed to "gave so much." Cllr McVitty continued; "That's an example of the kind of person he was. We were from two different political parties, but only had one thing on our minds, and that was to represent the people as best we could."
Belturbet councillor, Brendan Fay, also paid tribute to the late Sean Smith by describing his former colleague as a "rock." According to Cllr Fay, the former Cathaoirleach came to every meeting as "determined as ever" to bring important issues to the forefront, despite his illness. He added that Sean Smith done "so much" over his 44 years in politics, making special reference to his work with St. Bricin's and St Mogues.
