Andrew Boylan is new Cavan Mayor

Cllr. Andrew Boylan was unanimously elected as Mayor of Cavan town by other elected representatives on Cavan Town Council, which now consists of eight returned members from the previous council and Fine Gael newcomer Jacqui Lewis. Outgoing Mayor Paddy O"Reilly handed over the chain to his successor, advising him: 'It will be a time-consuming role with many events to attend.' Cllr. O"Reilly was joined by all other councillors in congratulating the new Mayor who has been a member of the town council for ten years and the county council for 35. 'With your vast experience, it will come easily to you,' said Cllr. O"Reilly, echoing the sentiments of his colleagues. 'Cavan is a progressive town and I look forward to picking up the momentum,' said Cllr. Boylan, taking the chair for his new position. He named six particular priorities, which he has become aware of while canvassing: repairs to a depression in the road at Tommy Donohoe garage near Breffni Park; an ESB problem with a parking meter on College Street; the 'serious' issue of parking at Cavan Cathedral; unrealistic rents for commercial property; misunderstanding or lack of understanding about rates; and a proposal by Cllr. Terry Argue for some memorial to Cllr. Boylan"s late uncle, Pat Gaffney, which Cllr. Boylan said, 'I would like to see during my term as Mayor'. Outgoing Mayor, Cllr. O"Reilly, nominated his successor, and Cllr. Des Cullen seconded it - a vote Cllr. Boylan said he 'appreciated from a Labour Party' fellow councillor. Sinn Féin Cllr. Brian McKeown proposed himself, voicing his expectation that he wouldn"t receive a seconder. 'I have done this on ten occasions and never received a seconder. I don"t suppose I"ll change the habits of a lifetime now,' said Cllr. McKeown, who anticipated correctly. In the absence of any other nominations for Deputy Mayor, Paddy Sexton (FF) nominated himself, which Paddy O"Reilly seconded, and was deemed elected to the position, which he said would be 'an honour and a privilege'. Cllrs. Jacqui Lewis and Brian McKeown were appointed as the council"s representatives on the VEC. 'Cllr. Lewis is actively involved in the community and will be an asset,' said Cllr. Terry Argue, who nominated the former, seconded by Cllr. O"Reilly. The latter nominated himself, which was seconded by Cllr. Cullen. 'Cllr. McKeown is strongly involved with young people through the boxing club,' said Cllr. Cullen. 'He will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge from that.' Cllrs. Terry Argue and Des Cullen were appointed as delegates to the annual conference of the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland (AMAI), with Cllr. Paddy O"Reilly the third member of the AMAI on an honorary basis. Tributes were paid to all those who secured seats on June 5, and to those who were unsuccessful but 'brave in putting themselves forward'. Concluding, County Manager Jack Keyes, agreed with members that the re-election of eight of the nine members is a 'great reflection of the work of the previous council'. He said the new mayor will 'give fresh impetus to the role', adding that 'the key word going forward is momentum'.