Tributes are being paid to Manus Kelly, the Joule Donegal International three-in-a-row champion who was killed while competing in this year’s event at a stage in Fanad on Sunday. The driver had been elected to Donegal County Council last month for Fianna Fáil.
In a statement Donegal County Council said: “It is with huge sadness this morning that we as the Cathaoirleach and Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, on behalf of the elected members, management and staff, convey our deepest sympathies to the family of the late Cllr. Manus ‘Mandy’ Kelly following his death as a result of a tragic accident yesterday. His wife Bernie, his five children, his parents, siblings and extended family and friends are all in our thoughts and prayers this morning.
“Our thoughts and prayers are also with the Rally fraternity in Donegal and beyond on the loss of one of their greatest ambassadors. Donegal has lost a wonderful sportsman and ambassador.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher, Leas Cheann Comhairle, expressed his deepest sympathies on the tragic death of Cllr Manus Kelly.
He said: “A dark cloud descended over County Donegal and indeed over Clones this afternoon where Donegal were playing Cavan when the sad news broke of Manus Kelly’s tragic and untimely passing. I have known Manus for some years and I particularly got to know him extremely well during the recent Local Election campaign.
“He was a consummate professional in all that he turned his hand to be that in business, or sports and more recently politics – since his election to Donegal County Council just 4 weeks ago. Manus provided through his business employment for many people and he always advocated the strength of local business and enterprise. He was a very likable and homely person, with an enormous personality that radiated from him where ever he was. Manus had a great natural way of interacting with people.
“He was a most caring husband to his wife Bernie and their 5 children. No words of mine can articulate the massive loss they feel, but the support of the entire county, his motor rally colleagues, his political colleagues ,and his hundreds of friends will give you the strength to sustain you as a family in the days ahead. He was recently elected to Donegal County Council following a very successful and energetic campaign and those that worked closely with him during that campaign are feeling the loss of a close friend .
“Manus was just entering into what was going to be long and successful career in politics , he had all the attributes of a fine and caring public representative. He was so looking forward to repaying the confidence which the electorate placed in him by working hard on their behalf over the next five years. I wish to express my deepest sympathies to his wife, Bernie and their five children, his own family, his parents Donal and Jacquline, his brothers and sisters and the wider family network – to the many many friends which were close to Manus throughout his career and life.
“Manus leaves this world far too prematurely, called from us with a sudden cruelness that is impossible for us as humans to understand , but his life was well lived , and he spent his time always trying to help others as best he could. His life ends at the peak of his career and when a new drawn was breaking which would see him serve the people of Letterkenny LEA.”
Sinn Féin Donegal Senator Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has described news of the tragic death of Cllr Manus Kelly as a “devastating loss for his family, friends, and all who knew him”.
“His death is a devastating loss for his family, friends, and all who knew him. The people of Donegal took great pride in his many successes as a rally driver, not least winning the Donegal International Rally for the last three years. The dedication and professionalism he displayed as a top rally driver was extended to his business that employs dozens of local people. And recently, he was elected as a County Councillor for the Letterkenny Electoral Area. On behalf of the Sinn Féin party in Donegal, I extend our deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and the Fianna Fáil party in Donegal. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this terribly sad time. We also extend our thoughts and prayers to Donal Barrett was injured in the tragic collision today.”
Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh also expressed his sympathies to the family.
Minister McHugh said: “My thoughts are with Manus Kelly’s wife Bernie and their children and all the family. He was a top class competitor and a great asset to the county, the rally and motorsports in Ireland. I hope co-driver Donall Barrett makes a good and speedy recovery. The Donegal rally is a real community and I have no doubt all the organisers and officials involved will come together in support at a time like this.”