'Local elections': Emotional Donal 'Mandy' Kelly goes to the top of Letterkenny poll

Five years on from he hoisted his brother, the late Manus 'Mandy' Kelly, Donal 'Mandy' Kelly is poised to be lifted shoulder high at the Aura Leisure Centre as the poll-topper in the Letterkenny electoral area.

According to the tally figures, an emotional Kelly earned 1,791 first preferences to see him the lead candidate in Letterkenny – comfortably in excess of the quota.

Councillor Kelly was co-opted to the seat after his father, Donal 'Mandy' Kelly senior, stepped down in 2020.

In May, 2019, Manus Kelly was elected onto Donegal County Council amid jubilant scenes at the Aura. A month later, while competing in the Donegal International Rally, he sadly lost his life.

The emotions ran high as Councillor Kelly took in the enormity of a significant swell of support in his favour.

“I am filling big shoes,” he told Donegal Live.

“I have no doubt in my mind that Manus would have made an outstanding councillor. Poor Manus didn't get the chance.

“There was pressure on me, wondering if I would retain the seat. At the end of the day, this is Manus's seat. I came into this seat and had to work hard to make it my own.

“It was no easy task and it was new to me. It was sink or swim – and thankfully I swam.

“I am absolutely ecstatic. Over the last three-and-a-half years, I have worked very hard on each and every issue and I am delighted that the people have come out to get behind me.

“My team has been absolutely phenomenal. We knocked on every door and we covered some ground. Everyone done their bit.”

Family members embraced in the foyer of the Aura as they now look forward to what will surely be a highly-emotive moment when the returning officer takes to the stage to confirm his election.

“This was a tough one. To be honest, I dreaded this day as much as I looked forward to it. It was tricky.

“We stood in here five years ago and lifted my late brother, Manus 'Mandy' Kelly, on our shoulders. We travelled the ground to get Manus elected – and what an achievement that was.

“I am carrying Manus with me still. I can assure everyone that I will work for them. I am eager to get at it.”