Keys to World Trade Centre to go on display in Cavan

Keys to the World Trade Centre are among the artefacts belonging to 9/11 survivor and Cavan man Hugh Smith to go on display in the county this weekend.

Hugh Smith, who is originally from Termon in Cavan, survived the collapse of the Twin Towers but became a prominent figure in the rescue and clean-up effort.

He had made Warwick, New York, his home and as a carpenter, worked on the construction of the World Trade Centre and continued to work there in maintenance for 27 years until the 2001 terrorist attack.

He helped other survivors to escape and then dedicated the following weeks and months to the recovery operation.

Hugh Smith died in April 2025, but before his death, he bequeathed some of his most cherished mementos of the World Trade Centre to the Cavan County Museum, which is hosting an exhibition to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.

The items on display include a cross fashioned from the building's steel girders, keys to the World Trade Centre itself and his hard hat, which he wore through the recovery effort.

A private ceremony for Hugh Smith's family, who are visiting from the United States, is taking place today and the exhibition opens to the public on Saturday.

The Smith family said that the exhibition was a "testament to the man Hugh was, who never forgot where he came from and was a regular listener of local radio, Northern Sound, and an avid reader of The Anglo Celt".

"To have this exhibition located in his own home county is a fantastic accolade. It is a permanent reminder for his work in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Despite sustaining serious injuries during the collapse of the towers, Hugh worked relentlessly in the clean-up and became a prominent figure on Ground Zero.

"Hugh was a notable figure in New York, representing Cavan on many committees over the years.

"The Smith family are very proud that this exhibition is in place in the Cavan County Museum and we are in no doubt that Hugh would be thrilled that his story will be read by the many visitors to the museum for years to come," they added.

Curator of Cavan County Museum Ann Gerety Smith said the museum was honoured to celebrate his heroic legacy and remember those victims who lost their lives.

"We are hugely grateful to Hugh and to his family for allowing us to display these artefacts from one of the most significant historical tragedies of modern times.

"Hugh Smith was an inspirational Cavan man who epitomised the resilience and work ethic of the Irish diaspora and became a significant figure in the history of the World Trade Centre and, indeed, New York," said Ms Gerety Smith.

Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council Cllr Carmel Brady paid tribute to Hugh Smith's "quiet heroism".

"The events of 9/11 showed us the worst of humanity, but also the very best in how New Yorkers like Hugh responded to help others in need"," she said.