Menu
24/06/2019
Fianna Fáil Councillor Dies At Donegal Rally
Tributes have been paid to Donegal Fianna Fáil Councillor Manus Kelly who died while competing at the Donegal International Rally.
The motor racing champion, who had won the event for the last three years, was killed after his Hyundai i20 R5 left the road on stage 15 of Sunday's race.
His co-driver Donall Barrett is receiving hospital treatment for injuries sustained in the crash.
Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin TD expressed his deep sadness at the tragic death and offered his sincere condolences and those of the Fianna Fáil party to Mr Kelly's wife Bernie, his five young children, his parents Jacqueline and Donal, and to each of his eight siblings.
"As three time consecutive and reigning champion of the Donegal International Rally, Manus's racing talent was limitless. He was widely respected and loved by all of the rally community here in Ireland," he said.
"Manus had just embarked on a promising career in local politics having recently been elected to Donegal County Council representing the Fianna Fáil party. It was obvious throughout his recent election campaign that he was passionate and entirely committed to serving the people of the Letterkenny electoral area which he cherished.
"Manus made a huge contribution to his community. As a self-employed businessman, he employed 60 people in Letterkenny. He was an active fundraiser and advocate for the Letterkenny University Hospital. He had great commitment to the GAA and managed his local club, Glenswilly to Junior B success in 2016.
"He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and all those closest to him. My thoughts this evening also remain with Manus's co-driver and loyal colleague, Donal Barrett. Manus's death is an immeasurable loss to us all.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dhílis."
(JG)
The motor racing champion, who had won the event for the last three years, was killed after his Hyundai i20 R5 left the road on stage 15 of Sunday's race.
His co-driver Donall Barrett is receiving hospital treatment for injuries sustained in the crash.
Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin TD expressed his deep sadness at the tragic death and offered his sincere condolences and those of the Fianna Fáil party to Mr Kelly's wife Bernie, his five young children, his parents Jacqueline and Donal, and to each of his eight siblings.
"As three time consecutive and reigning champion of the Donegal International Rally, Manus's racing talent was limitless. He was widely respected and loved by all of the rally community here in Ireland," he said.
"Manus had just embarked on a promising career in local politics having recently been elected to Donegal County Council representing the Fianna Fáil party. It was obvious throughout his recent election campaign that he was passionate and entirely committed to serving the people of the Letterkenny electoral area which he cherished.
"Manus made a huge contribution to his community. As a self-employed businessman, he employed 60 people in Letterkenny. He was an active fundraiser and advocate for the Letterkenny University Hospital. He had great commitment to the GAA and managed his local club, Glenswilly to Junior B success in 2016.
"He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and all those closest to him. My thoughts this evening also remain with Manus's co-driver and loyal colleague, Donal Barrett. Manus's death is an immeasurable loss to us all.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dhílis."
(JG)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 September 2011
FF Won't Back Presidential Candidates
Fianna Fail (FF) has decided that they will not back independent candidates in the presidential election. It follows a row in Fianna Fáil over the party's presidential election strategy. Party Leader Micheal Martin put forward the motion, which was seconded by his Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív.
FF Won't Back Presidential Candidates
Fianna Fail (FF) has decided that they will not back independent candidates in the presidential election. It follows a row in Fianna Fáil over the party's presidential election strategy. Party Leader Micheal Martin put forward the motion, which was seconded by his Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív.
24 February 2014
Immediate Action Urged In Driving Licence Issue Delays
Immediate action has been called for to tackle an 8 week delay in the processing of new driving licences. Raising the issue with the Dáil, Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Transport, Tourism and Sport, Timmy Dooley, said that it was unacceptable motorists had to wait so long for their driving licences.
Immediate Action Urged In Driving Licence Issue Delays
Immediate action has been called for to tackle an 8 week delay in the processing of new driving licences. Raising the issue with the Dáil, Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Transport, Tourism and Sport, Timmy Dooley, said that it was unacceptable motorists had to wait so long for their driving licences.
18 September 2013
Adams Challenges Fianna Fáil Leader To Public Debate
Fianna Fáil Leader Mícheál Martin has been challenged to a public debate over the proposed abolition of the Seanad by Sinn Féin leader, Gerry Adams. In a statement issued on the party's website, Mr Adams said: "Mícheál Martin now talks about political reform.
Adams Challenges Fianna Fáil Leader To Public Debate
Fianna Fáil Leader Mícheál Martin has been challenged to a public debate over the proposed abolition of the Seanad by Sinn Féin leader, Gerry Adams. In a statement issued on the party's website, Mr Adams said: "Mícheál Martin now talks about political reform.
31 January 2011
Blaney And O'Flynn Bow Out Of Politics
Two more Fianna TDs have declared they will not be contesting their seats in the upcoming election. Deputy for Donegal North East, Niall Blaney, was the latest to announce he would not run in the Election citing "personal reasons" for his decision. Mr Blaney withdrew ahead of a Fianna Fáil selection convention for the constituency last night.
Blaney And O'Flynn Bow Out Of Politics
Two more Fianna TDs have declared they will not be contesting their seats in the upcoming election. Deputy for Donegal North East, Niall Blaney, was the latest to announce he would not run in the Election citing "personal reasons" for his decision. Mr Blaney withdrew ahead of a Fianna Fáil selection convention for the constituency last night.
23 November 2010
Islands Will Bear Brunt Of Cuts - SF
Donegal's island communities will be worst affected by the impact of government budget cuts, according to Sinn Fein Senator Pearse Doherty. As the county's islands went to the polls yesterday in the Donegal South West by-election, Senator Doherty urged as many islanders as possible to cast their votes.
Islands Will Bear Brunt Of Cuts - SF
Donegal's island communities will be worst affected by the impact of government budget cuts, according to Sinn Fein Senator Pearse Doherty. As the county's islands went to the polls yesterday in the Donegal South West by-election, Senator Doherty urged as many islanders as possible to cast their votes.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
