It’s a proud day and a deeply emotional day for Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly as he looks set to top the tally poll in the Letterkenny electoral area.
Cllr Kelly has polled well right across the seven-seat constituency, with first preferences coming from all the polling stations.
“I can guarantee I’ll work hard,” Kelly says, looking forward to the official count tomorrow.
This is the Glenswilly farmer’s first time on the ballot paper, and he carries a sense of reflection back to the 2019 election when he celebrated the victory of his late brother Manus.
One month later after the election, businessman and motorsport legend Manus tragically lost his life during the Donegal International Rally. The Fianna Fáil seat was filled by Manus’ father, Donal, who then stood down to allow his son Donal ‘Mandy’ to take over.
Donal said there is no shying away from the fact that he was co-opted to his seat in Lifford, but the results today show that his toil and dedication haven’t gone unnoticed.
“I have earned this seat and I’m delighted to be in this position, roll on the next five years. I look forward to working hard for everyone. I can assure them I will work the best I can to the best of my ability,” he said.
