Council congratulate bishop on elevation

Cavan County Council is to write to Bishop Francis Duffy, Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, to congratulate him on his appointment as the new Archbishop of Tuam. Pope Francis made the surprise appointment last month.

A native of Templeport, Bishop Duffy attended primary school at Munlough National School, Bawnboy, and completed his post-primary education at Saint Patrick’s College, Cavan.

The vote of congratulations was proposed by Bawnboy representative, Fianna Fáil’s Sean Smith.

“He’s a neighbour of mine,” enthused Cllr Smith, conferring his wish to the council remotely at the December monthly meeting.

Bishop Duffy previously shared the honour of a civil ceremony, bestowed by the council on him and Auxiliary Bishop of Armagh, Michael Router, and the recently retired Bishop of Kilmore, Leo O’Reilly. Bishop Francis taught at St Pat’s College, Cavan. He was appointed principal of Fatima and Felim’s Secondary School, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim in 1996, before serving as secretary and financial administrator and chancellor in the Diocese of Kilmore.

Archbishop-elect Duffy will be installed as the new Archbishop of Tuam early in the New Year.

Late Andy McCabe

Separately, Sinn Féin’s Paddy McDonald paid tribute as Cavan GAA laid one of its most respected footballers to rest.

Andy McCabe, the former county and Ulster star, passed away at his home in Kingscourt earlier this month. As a defender, he won a pair of Ulster medals in 1967 and 1969, earning a call up to Ulster’s Railway cup side, winning medals in 1970 and 1971.

He helped Crosserlough to seven Cavan titles in a row between 1966 and 1972, a feat that remains unmatched.

Cathaoirleach Clifford Kelly said Mr McCabe had made a “huge contribution” to football in the county over the years. “He was one of nature’s gentlemen”.