Tributes have been pouring in following the death of Cavan County Councillor, Sean Smith, yesterday.
Cllr Smith served as a Fianna Fail local area representative in the Belturbet Electoral Area for 44 years.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin who is leading the tributes, said Cllr Smith "made a real and lasting impact, and difference" to his community, county, and party.
A deep sense of sadness has been felt across Co Cavan since it emerged yesterday morning that Cllr Sean Smith had passed away.
Fine Gael Senator, Joe O'Reilly who served with Cllr Smith for 20 years on Cavan County Council, pointed to the "exemplary public representative" that Cllr Smith was.
Senator O'Reilly said he was "completely dedicated" to the needs of his constituents and brought "passion, high principle and sincerity" to his contributions in the Council Chamber.
He added that he will remember Cllr Smith as a "great" Cathaoirleach, a "dedicated" family man and a "successful and progressive" farmer.
Chief Executive of Cavan County Council, Tommy Ryan, pointed out that during his time at the local authority, he was struck by Cllr Smith's "commitment, compassion, and genial nature", which he added, was "matched only by his determination to always do what was best for his community and his county".
Meanwhile, Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Cllr John Paul Feely, added that Cllr Smith's record of service was testament to the high regard in which he was held locally.
The Cathaoirleach said that Cllr Smith was a particularly strong advocate on agricultural issues and was a "very hard working and progressive farmer".
He added that Cllr Smith's commitment to farming interests and the community was best exemplified in his work on securing the re-opening of the Ballinamore/Ballyconnell Canal - now the Shannon-Erne Waterway - and in the way he worked with landowners to ensure that this would not negatively impact their farms.
As a mark of respect to Cllr Smith, the public meeting of the Cavan Joint Policing Committee which was due to take place this evening, Monday, has been postponed.
A book of condolence will also open at 12 noon today in Cavan Courthouse.
