Cieran Kelly withdraws from Donegal GAA Chairperson bid

Cieran Kelly will not be allowing his name to go forward for the position of Donegal GAA Chairperson at next month’s County Convention.

The St Naul’s clubman has been nominated for the role alongside Mary Coughlan and Sean Dunnion.

Kelly, a former Donegal GAA Treasurer, has confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that he will not be contesting a vote at the Convention, which takes place in Jackson’s Hotel, Ballybofey on December 13.

Kelly wrote: “My name won’t be going forward to @officialdonegal County Convention for the role of Chairperson. Whoever is elected will have my full support.”

Donegal GAA chairperson nominee, Mary Coughlan - Count me in ahead of Convention

When contacted on Wednesday morning Coughlan said was enthused by the reaction to her original nomination and, as a result of that feedback, will be leaving her hat in the ring to succeed Fergus McGee

Coughlan, also from the St Naul’s club, is a former Tánaiste and Minister for Agriculture and has confirmed that her name will be going forward.

Incumbent Fergus McGee has already confirmed that he is stepping down from the position while Four Masters clubman Dunnion - who served in a previous role as Chairperson - has yet to signal his intentions.

Kelly is also nominated for one of the two Ulster Council representative positions. Kelly is a current Ulster Council rep on the Donegal GAA County Committee.