Cllr Adrian Rogers takes his seat
This month's meeting of Cavan County Council began slightly different to the norm, when Cllr Adrian Rogers (Aontu) was co-opted to his seat in the chamber.
The Canningstown publican filled the vacancy that arose when his partner, Senator Sarah O'Reilly, was successfully elected to Seanad Eireann in January of this year.
Cllr Rogers sat at the back of the council chamber joined by Sen O'Reilly and his family members before taking his council seat, where he outlined his three main goals for his term.
The first is to "improve" communication between the community and Cavan County Council, while the second aim he mentioned is to "support" local businesses which he described as the "lifeblood" of communities. Finally, he listed sustainable development of housing in communities as one of his top priorities.
"I am honoured to represent Bailieborough-Cootehill," he said.
"I promise to be a voice in here for them," he added.
Cllr Rogers was warmly welcomed by his council colleagues; while there was widespread congratulations for Senator O'Reilly too.
Cathaoirleach T.P. O'Reilly (FG) was first to welcome Cllr Rogers to the chamber.
"You're a hard worker," he praised, adding that he is "willing to help anyone that needs some assistance".
"We're all very friendly here," he assured.
He also congratulated Senator O'Reilly on her role.
The Chief Executive of Cavan County Council Eoin Doyle said he would "look forward to working with" Cllr Rogers, while adding that he wished Senator O'Reilly "the very best".
Cllr Clifford Kelly (FF) described Cllr Rogers as a "very well-known business man".
"I've no doubt he'll make an excellent councillor," he outlined, adding that he has a "big act to follow".
Cllr Carmel Brady (FG) said he comes from a "respectable family" and described him as a man who is involved with his community.
"He's always at the end of the phone," she added.
She also congratulated Sarah, however pointed out that the number of women within the council chamber has reduced from five to four.
"Maybe we can change that in the next round," she stated.
On behalf of the Sinn Féin group, Cllr Damien Brady welcomed Cllr Rogers, adding that he knows him "a long time" through GAA. He too congratulated Senator O'Reilly.
Cllr Niall Smith (FF) welcomed Cllr Rogers, "a fellow Knockbride man", to the chamber.
"I know him all my life so I know all about him," he said.
He congratulated Senator O'Reilly, as did Cllr Brendan Fay (Ind) and wished her "the very best of luck" in the role.
"We gained another great person," Cllr Fay stated.
Cllr Trevor Smith (FG) also congratulated the two on their elections.
Meanwhile, Cllr John Paul Feeley (FF) said that Cllr Rogers would have "very little to learn" with the guidance of Senator O'Reilly, whom he wished "well" in her new role.
On his first day, Cllr Shane P. O'Reilly (II) informed Cllr Rogers that the elected members "are all here to help each other" and that they "go out as a united front". He joked that the "only time" a "row" could occur is when debating a budget.
Cllr Noel Connell (SF) wished him the "best of luck".
The co-option comes as Aontú’s Sarah O’Reilly collected an astonishing 58 first preference votes out of 76 promised by the hundreds of councillors and TDs she canvassed in the weeks leading up to the Seanad election, which won her a seat on the Agricultural Panel.