A theatre manager in Monaghan town, Cathy Bennett has a degree in bio-pharmaceutical science and previously worked in a laboratory in Castleblaney.

Co-opted on to to the local authority in 2012, Cllr Bennett (50) is the current Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council and is also Chairperson of Co Monaghan Women’s Assembly.

The mother-of-three was born in Tully in Monaghan town and grew up in Scotstown close to the Fermanagh border.

She comes from a family of Sinn Féin activists.

A first-time candidate in the general election, Bennett was a late entry to the Sinn Féin ticket following a second party convention held in November.

With a strong personal vote, she topped the poll in June’s local election securing over 1,200 first preference votes in the Monaghan Local Electoral Area.