Tributestolate TommyLavin
THE late Tommy Lavin was remembered for his life’s work serving the people of Sligo by County Councillors yesterday.
The April meeting of the County Council was suspended yesterday as a mark of respect for the passing of the former Fine Gael County Councillor and Ballymote businessman.
Ballymote area Councillor Dara Mulvey proposed the motion to suspend the meeting and was seconded by Councillor Sinead Maguire.
Cllr Mulvey led tributes to the party stalwart and acknowledged the presence of his daughter Anne Lavin who is also a staff member of the County Council.
He served as Councillor between 1963 and 1999, acted as Cathaoirleach of the Council in 1984 and 1992 and Leas- Cathaoirleach in 1979 and 1991.
Cllr Mulvey said Mr Lavin played a role in establishing Rural Water Schemes out of Lough Talt to homes where “people had no piped water at all and had to bring home barrels of water on a daily basis.”
“Tommy’s key attributes were great understanding, concern and respect for everyone,” he said.
Councillor Seamus Kilgannon, along with Councillors Declan Bree and Margaret Gormley are the only three members who actually served with the late Councillor.
“He’ll be remembered as one of the most hard- working councillors. He won admiration and respect from all sides,” said Cllr Kilgannon.
“He was a master practitioner of the art of politics. His wisdom resolved many a difference in the chamber,” he added.
Cllr Gormley said Mr Lavin represented the people of Ballymote “honestly and sincerely for 36 years.”
“I had the pleasure of working with him, as did my late father. He never shirked his responsibilities. Serving the general public was his life, both as a businessman and a politician. Ballymote had a great representative in Tommy Lavin and they showed their appreciation by re- electing him many times to Sligo County Council,” said Cllr Gormley.
On behalf of Cllr Bree, who couldn’t attend the meeting, Cllr Gormley said he wished to be associated with her remarks.
Cllr Chris MacManus said Mr Lavin “served his people with distinction.”
Cllr Marie Casserly de- scribed Mr Lavin as a “hard worker and dedicated family man not only in Ballymote but the entire county.”
Cllr Keith Henry knew Mr Lavin through his “love of the GAA and all things sporting.”
Cllr Michael Clarke said he was a “very astute, caring and generous man.”
Cllr Rosaleen O’Grady said Tommy Lavin was a “truly remarkable man” who “carried out his duties for the people of Ballymote in a professional manner.”
Chief Executive Ciarán Hayes said he was “a man of integrity whose loss will be felt.”
Cathaoirleach Cllr Hubert Keaney said Mr Lavin was the type of politician “that unfortunately is not around as much - he didn’t need to be on Facebook or social media to keep in touch with their local constituents.”
“He knew how to get things done. I know how highly he was held in the Fine Gael party, it was a privilege to know him,” said Cllr Keaney.