Seamus first joined the council staff twenty years ago, leaving only to work at the new county council offices in Carndonagh from 2002 to 2005.

He has served as Acting Town Clerk since Paul Doyle retired due to ill-health.

The appointment was informally announced at Tuesday's meeting of the Inishowen Electoral Area Committee in Carndonagh, which Seamus attended.

The announcement was warmly greeted by both council members and officials, who uniformly praised Seamus for his professionalism and courtesy.

On Tuesday, Colr Rena Donaghey offered her congratulations. "I've worked with Seamus for about 14 years now. He has his time well served and has a wealth of experience. I've always found him to be very professional and helpful."

She then addressed him personally. "Your work will be very challenging and hopeful will be rewarding. You're homegrown and that's a bonus."

Officially announcing the appointment at Wednesday night's special meeting of Buncrana Town Council, Mayor Dermot McLaughlin was effusive in his praise.

"I've known Seamus ever since he first joined the council twenty years ago. Now I say it, I can hardly believe it, because he seems such a young fellow.

"During all this time, Seamus has always been very courteous, capable and hard-working. He's a very efficient worker.

"Hopefully this appointment marks the start of a new era for Buncrana. He takes up the job at a difficult time. But we are building a new team, with a development officer coming on board shortly, and we are consolidating a number of other positions as a matter of urgency. It's vital that we have the right team in place to offer him all the support he needs."

Great asset

Colr Joe Doherty agreed that Seamus will be "a great asset to the town."

Opining that "it's harder to be Acting Town Clerk than actual Town Clerk" Colr Peter McLaughlin welcomed Seamus on board. "Your experience working the county council office only enhances your grasp of local government procedures."

'Always open'

Colr Rose Curran shared the sentiments of all the previous speakers. "Seamus, I know your door is always open. At least it always has been to me any time I've coming looking to talk with you."

Colr Nicholas Crossan added: "On a personal note, I'm delighted that the post has been filled by a Buncrana man, who is from the town and living in the town. Seamus has excellent skills, a very pleasant manner and a great ability to conduct council business."

Colr Daren Lalor lauded the "excellent appointment". However, the noted that "there is a huge workload. We need to get the structures in place to support Seamus so that he can be in a position to get the job done."