Passing the baton in Ballyduff

Outgoing Cathaoirleach of Ballyjamesduff Municipal District, Cllr Trevor Smith (Fianna Fáil), has handed over the chain of office to Cllr T.P. O’Reilly (Fine Gael), bringing to a close what he described as an “honour and privilege” to serve the district over the past year.

Cllr Smith will now take on the role of Leas Cathaoirleach.

Reflecting on his year in office, Cllr Smith thanked fellow councillors, council staff and the wider community for their support.

He praised the level of investment delivered across the district during the past 12 months.

Among the initiatives closest to his heart is the ongoing refurbishment of the former Percy French Hotel into a community and enterprise centre. He also highlighted the restoration works carried out at Cavan County Museum’s World War One Trench Experience ahead of the museum’s 30th anniversary celebrations this weekend.

Housing delivery was another feature of his term. Cllr Smith noted that new developments in Ballyjamesduff and Kilnaleck were completed on time and ahead of schedule. “We’ve given out keys lately and many new families can now call Ballyjamesduff and Kilnaleck home,” he said.

The outgoing chair also pointed to further housing developments in the pipeline including a scheme on the Cavan Road in Ballyjamesduff. Importantly, he stressed that local contractors had been involved in many of the projects delivered during the year, creating employment and supporting the local economy.

Among his personal highlights was a civic reception in Butte, Montana, celebrating Ballyjamesduff native Marcus Daly, the famed “Copper King of Montana”.

However, Cllr Smith said his proudest moment was the official opening of the new Ballyjamesduff Fire Station. “It’s very important, not just for Ballyjamesduff but for the wider area when people need help,” he said, recalling the history of the town’s fire service and the poor conditions firefighters had worked in for decades.

Fine Gael councillor Winston Bennett congratulated Cllr Smith on “an excellent year”, praising the progress made.

Incoming Cathaoirleach T.P. O’Reilly said he was looking forward to taking over the baton. “There is so much happening in the Ballyjamesduff area,” he said.

He highlighted the planned development at The Grove, describing it as an “important amenity” for the town and expressing his enthusiasm for the year ahead.