Fianna Fáil select 25-year-old councillor as candidate for Galway bye-election

Fianna Fáil have selected a 25-year-old councillor to contest the upcoming Galway West by-election.

Councillor Cillian Keane was chosen at the Fianna Fáil convention for the constituency in Salthill on Sunday night.

The 25-year-old from Maree, Oranmore, who has a Degree in Food and Agribusiness Management from UCD, was elected as Galway County Council’s youngest councillor in 2024.

Commenting after his selection, Keane said:“I’m delighted to be selected, I’m looking forward to the campaign. I believe as someone young and energetic, I can offer a clear new voice for both Fianna Fáil and Galway West.

“I will contest this election on a number of key issues, particularly on housing, infrastructure and healthcare and I look forward to engaging with the people of Galway in the weeks ahead and giving it my all in this election.”

Sean Kyne is standing for Fine Gael, Labour will be represented by Helen Ogbu, and Mark Lohan will contest on behalf of Sinn Féin.

The bye-election was triggered by the election of Catherine Connolly as President, who vacated her Dáil seat in October.