Donal Kelly will be co-opted onto Donegal County Council next Monday to fill the seat won by his late son, Manus.
Donal Kelly’s name was unanimously agreed by Fianna Fáil party members on Monday evening.
Fianna Fáil deputy leader Dara Calleary TD attended Monday’s meeting in Letterkenny where Mr Kelly senior was endorsed.
Charlie McConalogue TD, Leas-Cheann Comhairle Pat The Cope Gallagher, Monaghan Senator Robbie Gallagher – a native of Termon – and Senator Diarmuid Wilson were among the other high-ranking Fianna Fáil members who attended the brief meeting.
The gathering was Chaired by Fianna Fáil County Councillor Donal Coyle, who formally told the meeting that Mr Kelly senior was the sole nominee.
Manus Kelly, a father-of-five from Glenswilly and a three-time winner of the Donegal International Rally, tragically died while competing at this year’s Donegal International Rally in June.
A month earlier, he was elected to Donegal County Council for the first time. Sadly, he never got the chance to take his seat at the County House in Lifford.
Next Monday, at the monthly meeting of Donegal County Council, Donal Kelly will be formally co-opted.