Brady 'excited' to take the chair

"A tremendous privilege" was how an elated Cllr Carmel Brady described her appointment as first citizen of County Cavan this week.

In the presence of family, friends, local and national elected representatives both past and present, she was chosen as Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council for the next year.

Proposed by her party colleague Cllr Winston Bennett (FG) and seconded by Niamh Brady (FG), the new Cathaoirleach was warmly welcomed to her role at the top table by all councillors in the chamber.

Both Cllrs Niall Smith (FF) and Damien Brady (SF) were also put forward to take the role of Leas Cathaoirleach, however it was Cllr Smith who took the reins from Cllr Winston Bennett after winning the vote - 12 to 6.

Taking up her position in the hot seat, Cathoirleach Brady described it a "tremendous privilege".

She gave a special mention to her mum Eileen, who is 95 "years young", and was present in the chamber to watch her daughter's special moment.

Cllr Brady was elected to Cavan County Council in May 2014, a role two people in particular encouraged her to take up, former Cllr Aidan Boyle and former Minister Heather Humphreys.

She expressed her pride in representing the county, and described Cavan as a "county of proud tradition", which has "so much to celebrate".

The new Cathaoirleach would like to see the East West Link road progressing, and would also like to see more housing and more funding for national and rural roads in the county.

The Cootehill representative said that, while Cavan councillors "may not always agree", they are united in the fact that they want to make Cavan a great place to "live, work, raise a family and do business" and she will represent the county at local, national and international level in this regard.

"It will be a privilege to serve as your Cathaoirleach," she said, adding that she is "excited to do so".

Outgoing Cathaoirleach John Paul Feeley (FF) thanked each councillor for their "co-operation" over the past year. He thanked the council executive and said he gained a "deeper understanding of the commitment of council staff" who are "very willing to engage with councillors and communities".

"I do look forward to getting down there and causing grief for the incoming Cathaoirleach," he joked, while welcoming Cllr Brady to the role.

Outgoing Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr Winston Bennett thanked Cllr John Paul Feeley for "the work you did and your fairness".

The chamber was united in that view, with each praising Cllr Feeley on how he allowed each of them time to speak.

Cllr Bennett thanked Cllr Brady for her work and dedication to her local community and particularly praised her work on the women's caucus.

For Cllr Niamh Brady, it gave her "great pleasure" to second Cllr Brady's election. As a woman who works "tirelessly" for her community, she will serve the county with "distinction and pride".

Sinn Féin's Damien Brady congratulated Carmel on the role and said he looks forward to working with her over the next twelve months. Meanwhile, he also thanked Cllr John Paul Feeley for his work and congratulated Cllr Niall Smith.

"Thank you very much Cathaoirleach," Independent Ireland's Shane P O'Reilly said, before joking: "You've been waiting a while to hear that."

"It is the biggest honour to be the first citizen for the county... I am very very happy for you Carmel," he expressed.

Cllr Brendan Fay (Ind) praised Cllr Feeley for being "very fair" and wished Cllr Brady "the very best of luck".

Chief Executive Eoin Doyle thanked Cllr Feeley for his "very hard work" and his ability to deal with situations where "you are damned if you do and damned if you don't".

"Cllr Feeley reflected on things deeply and always looked at an issue from all sides," he said, adding that he is "someone who wanted to build bridges and bring people with him".

Mr Doyle equally described Cllr Brady as somebody who "wants to get things done" and wished her "every success" in the position.

"We will give you every possible assistance."