Late Cathaoirleach remembered at first MD meeting since his passing

The late Fianna Fáil public representative Seamus Coyle was remembered with great fondness by his fellow elected members of Ballybay-Clones Municipal District (MD) at the first meeting held since his passing. The meeting took place on Monday at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, Annaghmakerrig.

Leading the tributes, MD Leas-Cathaoirleach Richard Truell (FG), who is now Acting Cathaoirleach, described the late politician as both a council colleague and a friend. Having spent 22 years in public life, Cllr Coyle served as Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council on two occasions and held the position numerous times at MD level, including at the time of his death, a role in which he took great pride.

“He fought for the people he represented, and his contribution will be remembered by this MD. We feel a sense of loss. He will be remembered for his determination, conversation and presence. He will be remembered with great affection by those he represented and has left a legacy of service to the community.”

Cllr Truell (FG) wished to place on record his sincere personal appreciation for Cllr Coyle’s friendship and work ethic, and assured his late council colleague that his contribution to public life and community in his native county would not be forgotten.

Cllr Pat Treanor also paid tribute, saying: “It feels different without him. He was a colleague and a friend. Cllr Coyle left a very important legacy behind him.”

The veteran Sinn Féin representative recalled the many debates at both county and MD level in which Cllr Coyle was an active participant. He said Cllr Coyle had a passion for Latton and kept the area to the fore. He was also a great advocate for the GAA.

Cllr Sinéad Flynn (SF), echoed the sincere sympathies expressed to Cllr Coyle's family and friends by previous speakers. She noted that Cllr Coyle “dedicated 22 years of his life to representing people” and had “a long record of public service.”

Cllr Seán Gilliland said he knew the late councillor before they served together, as they were from neighbouring parishes, adding that there was always “a bit of banter” because of the rivalry between Latton and Aughnamullen GAA teams!

“He was a formidable force on Monaghan Co Council and we are going to miss him at MD level too, where he was a voice of sense and reason. He wasn’t afraid to make tough decisions and he didn’t back down!”

Seamus Coyle, he said, put his name on the ballot paper and was elected by the people again and again with great support. That was his reward. He was there in both good times and bad. What he did for the people of Latton was evidenced by the turnout of mourners at his wake and funeral: “He was a local man, who did local work for local people.”