Mondays meeting of Roscommon County Council was a day tinged with considerable sadness.

Tributes were first paid to the late Cllr. Anthony Waldron whose untimely death occurred since the Council's last plenary meeting. As a mark of respect, the meeting was adjourned for a period.

Valarie Duffy has been officially co-opted to Roscommon County Council, filling the late John Naughten's seat as a Fine Gael representative.

Councillor Valarie Duffy is a well-known community activist and youth worker from Moore. She has been involved in extensive volunteer work in local community groups such as Moore Community Council, Moore Community Playground and Camcloon National School Board of Management.

She was also named 'Roscommon's most inspirational person' at the National Inspiration Awards in 2022. Speaking in the chamber on Monday Valarie said "It's an absolute honour to be joining you here today. Thank you all for the welcome, and to those who put their trust in me and supported my nomination. I will do my utmost to represent everyone is County Roscommon".

Tributes to Cllr. Duffy were mixed with appreciation for the work of the late Cllr. Naughten by all members. Cllr. Duffy was joined in the chamber by Cathaoirleach Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice; Chief Executive Shane Tiernan; Cllr. Duffy's Council colleagues; management of Roscommon County Council, family and friends on what was a somewhat poignant occasion.