Frosses businessman Tim Kelly to be given the Freedom of the County this Friday

A Frosses businessman is to be honoured with Donegal’s highest honour - the Freedom of the County - this Friday.

Tim Kelly is Chairman of the Kelly Group. From bringing cable TV to hundreds of towns across Ireland and the UK, to staying up to speed with the latest high speed broadband technology, his company has been at the cutting edge of the telecommunications industry since the 1980s. Nowadays, the Kelly Group has a workforce of around 3,500 people. 

A Civic Reception has been arranged for Friday,  December 1, at 4pm in the Council Chamber, County House, Lifford, to award the Freedom of the County to Mr Kelly.

There, he will be welcome by Cathaoirleach of County of Donegal, Cllr Martin Harley; and addressed by Chief Executive, Mr John G. McLaughlin. Tributes from representatives of each Political Party will then form part of the evening before the presentation of County Badge and Scroll by Cllr Harley.

Mr Kelly became a Freeman of London in 2022, gaining the ancient right to drive sheep toll-free across London Bridge. He was awarded Freedom of the City of London in recognition of his continuous support and long-standing business operations within the city and his notable charitable work.

Born in Frosses, Mr Kelly left school at the age of 16 and emigrated two years later. He worked in hospitality and construction before setting up his own business in the 1980s. 

Having gained experience in the cable industry under his brothers Aidan and Neil in Dublin, Tim was in a prime position when the UK started awarding cable franchises in 1984. He and his brother Bernard founded Kelly Brothers, and carried out their first installation in London for Croydon Cable in 1985. 

In 1990 the company became known as Kelly Communications Ltd, and over the next few years saw the addition of  Mr Kelly’s sister Fiona and brother Declan as group directors.

Mr Kelly joins a list of prestigious recipients including Daniel O’Donnell, Anthony Molloy, Shay Given, Seamus Coleman, Packie Bonner, Phil Coulter, Patsy McGonagle, the 28th Infantry Battalion and Danny McDaid.