FF CO-OPTION: Then there were three...

There are now three candidates of the original six left for the vacant seat on Cavan County Council created by the election of now Fianna Fail Deputy Niamh Smyth.

Former Cootehill Town Councillor Don Smith; former Chairman of Cavan County Council Francis McDermott; Ballyhaise native Eamonn O’Reilly; Knockbride native Niall Smith; Bailieborough's PJ Barry and party activist and recruitment officer with Bailieborough Fianna Fail Cumann Sarah O’Reilly had been the six candidates in the running for the seat.

The Celt understands that, as of last night, at a mini-convention meeting Niall Smith and PJ Barry, are no longer contenders and that this morning Eamonn O'Reilly withdrew.

Voting will open for Fianna Fáil members in the Bailieborough-Cootehill Municipal District between 6-8pm on tonight at Gallonray House Community Centre with the convention underway at 8pm.