BY MICHAEL BRESLIN

It was one salutation after another for their favourite son, Cardinal Sean Brady in Cavan on Sunday on his 'official' homecoming after the previous week's celebrations in Rome when he was given the famous red hat by His Holiness Pope Benedict.

For the laity and clergy from West Fermanagh, from the parishes of Killesher, Swanlinbar, Kinawley and Knockninny (Derrylin/Teemore), the celebrations were equally significant since these parishes lie in the Diocese of Kilmore, the Cardinal's native Diocese.

In all, the VIP was a guest at a civic reception given in his honour by Cavan County Council, then a Con-celebrated Mass in Cavan Cathedral and, finally, a reception in the Hotel Kilmore on the Dublin Road.

Heading the local politicians at the civic reception was the Minister of State for Children, Brendan Smith, but it was left to the chairman of Cavan County Council, Francis McDermott, who had travelled to Rome, to lead off the congratulations.

Speaking at Mass in the Cathedral, Cardinal Brady thanked all those who had turned out in such numbers, priests, religious and laity to wish him well. He spoke of what the Cathedral meant to him and, also, Cavan Town where he had spent '18 of the best and happiest days of my life' in St Patrick's College where he was a member of the teaching staff.

He then went on to speak of his family's political links to the area, principally his father's 16 years as a Cavan County Councillor for Bailieborough.

Earlier, an Irish Army guard of honour had flanked the Cardinal as he made is way to the civic reception in Cavan Courthouse.

Once inside, he told the guests that he thanked God, 'that this diocese of my birth, formation and early priesthood has such people in abundance'.

Taking as his text, the previous Sunday's Gospel, he said there had been many 'John the Baptists' (those who had prepared the way) in his life: "Without them I would not be here today. That is why it is appropriate that I return to this, my first home, to the people of my birth and clan and give thanks with you and for you'.

Later, the Bishop of Kilmore, Dr Leo O'Reilly made a presentation of vestments, mitre and chalice to Cardinal Brady on behalf of the people and priests of the diocese.

On behalf of the people of Kilmore, he congratulated him and wished him every blessing and success in his new role.

"This is a signal honour conferred on you by the Holy Father", he said, "We can all be justifiably proud that one of our own has become a member of the highest Council of the Church."