Death of former councillor, Jimmy Cudden of Duleek

GAA man spent 35 years on local authority

PAUL MURPHY

Tributes have been paid to former Meath County Council cathaoirleach, Jimmy Cudden, who died at his home in Duleek on Monday, aged 81.

Jimmy Cudden first stood successfully for election in 1979 and was elected in successive elections until his retirement in 2014.

Although he was first elected as a Labour Party candidate, he and his party colleague Cllr Brian Fitzgerald were among those who resigned from the party in 1999 when it merged with Democratic Left.

Standing then as an independent he represented the old Slane Electoral Area and was a member of various council committees. He was also a member of the Local Authority Members’ Association and was a former chairman of that organisation, holding that position on a number of occasions. He was an unsuccessful candidate for the Labour Party in the Geneal Election of 1982.

Jimmy Cudden worked for some time as a bus conductor in London, later joining CIE in that capacity. In later years he owned and ran his own bus company.

He was an avid GAA member and supporter and a prominent member of Bellewstown Golf Club.

Cllr Brian Fitzgerald said that they had soldiered together on the county council for many years. He was a great councillor for his area of East Meath and the proof of that was his return to the council at successive elections.

“Jimmy was so well liked, certainly by fellow councillors and officials, but also the very many people with whom he came in contact throughout Meath, irrespective of their party affiliation. Jimmy was also very straight – what you saw was what you got”. He had travelled on Jimmy’s bus to GAA matches throughout the country. “We had great times together and I always enjoyed his company. Even after he retired we would speak on the phone almost every week and we would meet up occasionally for a chat.”

Fianna Fail Cllr Tommy Reilly who served with Jimmy Cudden on the council for many years, had visited the councillor at his home in Duleek just hours before he passed away. “Jimmy was a Trojan worker for the people and he had a great record on the council. He served the people of this county so well”.

Council cathaoirleach Cllr Sean Drew, on behalf of the council, offered deepest condolences to Jimmy Cudden’s family. He said he was someone who had given great service to the people of Meath and he knew that he was widely respected throughout East Meath.

Duleek Cllr Stephen McKee said that Jimmy Cudden was widely respected in Duleek and East Meath where he served with distinction as a councillor for many years.

Predeceased by his parents Joey and Daisy and his son Anthony, Jimmy is survived by his wife, Nan; sons, Gerry and Christopher; daughter, Ann, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brothers, sisters, in-laws, and extended family and friends.

He is reposing at his homefrom 5pm Tuesday and Wednesday from 2pm, with strict government guidelines in place. The cortege will leave his home on Thursday at 10.30am to St Cianan's Church, Duleek, for 11am Requiem Mass. Burial afterwards in Holy Cross Cemetery.