The appointment reunites Andrea McGill with firm founder Gareth McCay and associate solicitor Aaron Mullin, who are all cousins.

“It is fantastic to have Andrea join the solicitors’ firm as she has the qualities that we look for in that she is extremely diligent, ambitious and has built a fabulous reputation in the local area over the past few years,” Mr McCay said.

“Whilst we recruited Andrea for her ability rather than her genealogy, it does feel like a natural fit for McCay Solicitors as she, Aaron and I are from the same family.”

He added: “I have always kept an eye on Andrea’s career and had always hoped that our firm would grow to the point that we could bring her on board. When the opportunity arose I was delighted that she accepted.

“Aaron’s mum and Andrea’s mum are sisters and are my aunts so their maiden names were McCay so to have us three together in a firm bearing our grandparents’ name has made everyone very proud.”

Ms McGill said: “When Gareth told me that he had a role that he thought I would be perfect for as an associate at McCay Solicitors, it was just too good an opportunity to turn down.

“I have watched how the firm has grown and the ethos it has, and I am delighted to be a part of it and look forward to contributing to its future success. I definitely feel that if our granny and grandpa were still with us that they would be very proud to see us working together here in Strabane.”

Mr Mullin, who has been working in the firm’s employment team since qualifying in 2018, said: “I could not speak highly enough of McCay Solicitors when Andrea called to tell me that she was coming on board. The firm has gone from strength to strength in recent years and the team is continually thriving to improve and evolve.

“Although Andrea and I are the one age and were in the same class at St Theresa’s and Queens, I never imagined that we would end up at the same firm, so it is exciting times ahead.”