Teresa takes her county council seat

ERRIS businesswoman Teresa Whelan has been co-opted by Sinn Féin as their new councillor in the West Mayo Municipal District, writes Claire McNamara.

She has taken the seat vacated by Rose Conway-Walsh following her recent election to the Seanad.

Ms. Whelan (nee Reilly) was formally nominated to Mayo County Council on Monday by SF Councillor Gerry Murray. The nomination was seconded by Councillor Gerry Ginty (Independent).

The new councillor, a mother of one, is originally from Carne, Belmullet.

Along with her husband, she runs two pubs in the Erris area - one in Binghamstown, the other in Glencastle.

Councillor Whelan has been active in local politics for Sinn Féin for many years.

She was warmly welcomed to the chamber by elected members and officials.