Fiona Lawless, CE, Meath Co Council and Cllr Tommy Reilly, Cathaoirleach welcome newly co-opted Cllr Caroline O’Reilly at Buvinda House. Photo: Gerry Shanahan.

Caroline O’Reilly fills council seat left after death of cousin, Damien

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Fiona Lawless, CE, Meath Co Council and Cllr Tommy Reilly, Cathaoirleach welcome newly co-opted Cllr Caroline O’Reilly at Buvinda House. Photo: Gerry Shanahan. Gerry Shanahan

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Pictured is Caroline O’Reilly, cousin of the late Cllr Damien O’Reilly, who has been co-opted to fill his seat at Meath Co Council welcomed by Cllrs Aisling Dempsey, Tommy Reilly, Paul McCabe, Wayne Harding, Mike Bray and Stephen McKee. Gerry Shanahan

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The late Cllr Damien O’Reilly.

Noelle Finegan

Published: Thu 7 Dec 2023, 9:07 AM

Fianna Fáil has selected Caroline O'Reilly from Kilcloon, cousin of the late councillor Damien O'Reilly, to fill his seat on Meath County Council.

Caroline O'Reilly was co-opted to Meath County Council at its monthly meeting yesterday (Monday), to fill the vacancy which arose in the Ratoath Municipal District Area following the sudden passing of Cllr Damien O'Reilly (40) in September.

Caroline O'Reilly was selected by the Fianna Fáil organisation at a meeting in Dunboyne Community Centre on Friday evening to take Cllr O'Reilly's seat and also run in next year's local elections.

The meeting was chaired by Barry Cowen TD and attended by Minister Thomas Byrne TD, Senator Niall Blaney, Chairman of Meath County Council Cllr Tommy Reilly, Vice Chair Cllr Paul McCabe, Cllr Aisling Dempsey, Cllr Sean Drew, and a number of party members.

“This county and this area has a proud Fianna Fail tradition.” said Caroline O’Reilly.

“We have selected and elected councillors, TDs and senators that have ensured Dunboyne, Ratoath, Dunshaughlin and its environs have enjoyed the highest quality of public representation.

“From Tom Wallace to his daughter Mary, Noel Leonard to my cousin Damien, this area has always had the strength of Fianna Fáil to fight for them. This is a fight I never wished to have, but it is one that I am proud to have and determined to continue,” stated Caroline in her first address to the Fianna Fáil organisation.

Speaking to a large crowd of supporters and party members, Caroline promised to work with the organisations, businesses and individuals who help our society to function for our fellow citizens. She described being selected at the Fianna Fail convention to represent her local area as a privilege and an honour.

O’Reilly went on to thank everyone for their support for Damien over the years, their kindness to her family and for placing their faith in her.

“These past few months have been incredibly difficult for our family, Damien’s friends and supporters as we all try to come to terms with the loss of our beloved Damien.

“I know that people are very keen that we hold this council seat at the elections in six months’ time. Many have offered help to me and for this I will be eternally grateful.

“Thank you to all of you who came here tonight to welcome me and participate in this important process. Thank you to Minister Byrne for the support he has given and has pledged. Thank you to the Fianna Fail organisation.”

“In conclusion, I would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and I look forward to meeting with you all in January to build on the work that commenced in this room tonight. Ar aghaidh le Fianna Fail.”