Warm welcome for Meath's newest count councillor

Paul Murphy

Published: Thu 7 Dec 2023, 9:01 AM

Last updated: Thu 7 Dec 2023, 9:08 AM

Meath County Council’s newest member – Fianna Fail nominee Caroline O’Reilly – was given a warm welcome by council colleagues when she was co-opted onto the council.

Ms O’Reilly was the only nominee put forward to replace the late Cllr Damien O’Reilly when she was proposed by fellow Fianna Fail members Aisling Dempsey and Wayne Harding at Monday’s monthly meeting held in Buvinda House.

Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr Paul McCabe was in the chair for the historic occasion. Cllr O’Reilly will now represent the Ratoath Municipal District. She will also serve on subsidiary bodies as a representative of the county council.

Pictured is Caroline O'Reilly, cousin of Damien O'Reilly, who has been co-opted to fill his seat at Meath Council, Buvinda House, Navan, County Meath.From left: Cllr Aisling Dempsey; Cllr Paul McCabe, Leas-Cathaoirleach/Vice-Chairperson, Meath County Council; Caroline O'Reilly; Cllr Tommy Reilly, Cathaoirleach Co Council; Cllr Wayne Harding; Cllr Mike Bray and Cllr Stephan McKee.Photo: Gerry Shanahan-www.cyberimages.net Photo by Gerry Shanahan

Proposing Caroline O’Reilly, Cllr Aisling Dempsey welcomed Caroline O’Reilly to the meeting. It was a proud day for her, her family and friends. “It is a bittersweet day but it is your day and I hope you enjoy it”. She said that Caroline’s cousin had been very helpful to her when she was first elected to the council in 2019. Cllr Dempsey said that Damien had been very popular with councillors of all parties. “I think I can say that for all councillors here if you need help at any time, we’re here to help”.

Cllr Wayne Harding, who seconded the proposal, said that it was a day of mixed emotions for the Fianna Fail party in losing Cllr Damien but then welcoming his first cousin into the vacant position.

The late Cllr Damien O'Reilly. Photo by null

Independent Cllr Brian Fitzgerald welcomed the new councillor and said he would guarantee her any help she needed in fulfilling her task of representing people.

Fine Gael Cllr Gerry O’Connor welcomed Cllr O’Reilly on behalf of his party. She would bet all the cooperation she needed.

FG Cllr Paddy Meade said that he and Damien were the two youngest councillors in the room. “Maybe we’re still the youngest”, he joked. Cllrs Joe Fox, Nick Killian, Ronan Moore, Cllr Elaine McGinty, Maria Murphy, and Padraig Fitzsimons. She was also welcomed by chief Executive Fiona Lawless who said there was a great sense of collegiality on the council.