The mayor of a town in Donegal who was originally from Co Fermanagh was one of three people killed in a horrific two-vehicle smash yesterday morning.

The Sinn Fein Mayor of Ballyshannon PJ Branley (58) and his front seat passenger Dessie McNulty (40), a member of Sinn Fein from Ballintra, were killed when his van collided with an oncoming car on the N15, eight kilometres north of Ballyshannon in Co Donegal.

Also killed was the driver of the car, Michael O’Sullivan (17) from Ballyshannon who was on his way to visit his girlfriend in Ballintra, when the crash happened shortly after 10am yesterday morning.

Garda sources say the car being driven by the teenager, a Honda Integra, went out of control after coming off a slight bend in the townland of Ballymagroarty and collided with the van which was travelling in the opposite direction.

Sinn Fein councillor Padraig MacLochlainn confirmed that the two Sinn Fein workers were on their way to distribute party newsletters outside church gates when the crash occurred.

He said: “They were carrying out party business which is a measure of what committed republicans they both were.”

Emergency services used cutting equipment to remove the dead and injured from the mangled wreckage.

Both Mr O’Sullivan and Mr McNulty were pronounced dead at the scene and their remains were removed to Sligo General Hospital for post mortem examinations.

Mr Branley was taken to Sligo General Hospital suffering from serious injuries but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Cllr MacLochlainn added: “PJ had been the mayor of Ballyshannon since June and was recently selected to represent the party in south Donegal in the local elections next year. He was an inspirational colleague and one of life’s gentlemen.

“Dessie was one of our senior members on the ground and a key member of PJ’s election team. The whole party is absolutely shattered with the tragic news.”

Mr Branley was a father of six and grandfather of 10, and originally came from Fermanagh.

Mr McNulty, who worked as a painter and decorator, is survived by his elderly mother and a wide family circle.

Local priest Father Seamus Dagens said the family and community were distraught by the tragedy.

Teenage driver Michael O’Sullivan had moved from England to the town with his mother and older sister seven years ago.

The scene of the crash remained closed throughout the day with traffic being diverted while accident investigators carried out a detailed examination.