Tipperary’s Sinéad Sweeney named Chief Fire Officer of Cavan
She brings 24 years of experience to lead Cavan’s fire brigades and emergency planning
At Cavan County Council’s September meeting, elected members and management welcomed Tipperary native Sinéad Sweeney as the county’s new Chief Fire Officer.
Joining from Wicklow Fire and Rescue Service, Ms Sweeney will oversee Cavan’s ten fire brigades, as well as Major Emergency Planning, Building Control, and Civil Defence.
Sinéad holds an honours degree in Materials Science, a postgraduate diploma in Fire Safety Practice, and a first-class honours Master of Business, along with a higher-level Certificate in Health, Safety, and Environmental Management.
Cathaoirleach Councillor John Paul Feeley praised her appointment: “Sinéad brings a wealth of experience to the position, having spent the last two decades working in the fire services of five different local authorities, accumulating vast knowledge, and steadily progressing up the ‘professional ladder’ from a retained firefighter to her current role.”
Cavan County Council Chief Executive Eoin Doyle added: “With a progressive career of over 24 years in fire service operational, technical fire safety, and emergency management roles, Sinéad brings leadership authenticity, experience, and significant and tangible value to our fire service. I look forward to working with Sinéad as we continue to develop what is a modern, professional, and dynamic fire service in the county.”
Margaret McNally, Head of Finance, Information Systems, and Emergency Services, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sinéad to Cavan, where she will build upon the excellent progress made by her predecessor, Noel O’Reilly and before that, Noel Burke. Boasting a wealth of experience, garnered across six local authorities, I have no doubt that Sinéad will prove an innovative and inspirational leader of our fire service.”