Buncrana’s newest councillor took her seat in the chamber yesterday. Sinn Fein Cllr Mary Kelly, a cycling proficiency teacher, was coopted to replace Darren Lawlor, who resigned this year for personal reasons.

Cllr Kelly became involved in community activism when a campaign began to have water from the Fullerton Pollan Dam brought to Ballymagorry, and has been associated with a number of campaigns since then.

She has also taken part in a number of deputations to the council chamber over the years, and says that will stand her in good stead as she learns the ropes……