Donal Kelly, father of the late Manus ‘Mandy’ Kelly, has been formally co-opted onto Donegal County Council today.
Mr Kelly senior said that it was an honour to sit in the seat of his late son, who was elected as a Fianna Fáil councillor in May. Sadly, Manus never got the chance to fulfil the role following his tragic death while competing at this year’s Donegal International Rally in June.
Speaking ahead of the council meeting in Lifford today, Mr Kelly said that he hopes to work for the people and fufil his late son’s ambitions.
“Manus, to me, was a politician that was going to go far,” Cllr Kelly said.
“He went in there with ambition to do right for the people. He was a people’s man, like myself. He enjoyed working with people.
“I’m hoping to try and fill his shoes and they will be hard to fill.”
Cllr Kelly was joined by his wife Jacquline and daughter Kelda as he took his seat in the council chamber. Also in attendance was Charlie McConalogue TD, who shared his support from the Fianna Fáil party.
Kelda, Donal and Jacquline Kelly at Donegal County Council, 25th November 2019
Cllr Kelly expressed his hope that carrying on Manus’ work in the council will be a source of comfort to him and his family following a very difficult year.
“Me and him (Manus) worked at the hip for years and hopefully this will lift my mind a bit now,” Cllr Kelly said.
He said the support gained from family, friends and fellow councillors has been greatly appreciated in recent weeks.
“For my family and my wife, Jacqui – it’s tough for them all too. We have four sons and four daughters who are all in behind us. All the councillors and everybody is behind us and that means a lot.”
From canvassing alongside his son in the lead up to the May 2019 local elections, Donal said he is well-positioned to bring the concerns of the people to the council forum.
“A lot of people want a lot of work done. I’m hoping now to carry out the duties to the best of my ability,” he said.
Cllr Kelly said he aims to bring his community involvement to his work in council, having worked with Friends of Letterkenny Hospital and having played an integral role in fundraising for his local Glenswilly GAA club.
Cllr Kelly was formally nominated to Donegal County Council by Cllr Ciaran Brogan, and seconded by Cllr Donal Coyle.
“It’s an honour to be sitting in his seat today,” he said on his co-option.
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