Former Kerry captain and All-Ireland medal winner Billy O'Shea has been selected as the Dáil candidate for Fine Gael in Kerry.
Mr O’Shea, a publican and auctioneer in Killorglin involved with Laune Rangers, said his priority will be to retain the Fine Gael seat in the constituency and be a voice for Kerry at a national level.
Three sitting Fine Gael councillors withdrew their names on Friday in advance of the convention in Killarney last night.
Recently elected Councillor Tommy Griffin in the Corca Dhuibhne local electoral area had been nominated by members in recent weeks.
He is also a cousin and assistant to the outgoing Fine Gael TD Brendan Griffin.
Councillor Mike Kennelly, a Dáil candidate in 2020, and Councillor Mike Foley, both from the Listowel Municipal District had also been nominated and withdrew their names and thanked supporters for nominating them.
Billy O’Shea, based in Killorglin and has strong links in Killarney, Listowel and Tralee, said he was from a central location in the county and would be "a fresh face" with new ideas.
He also said he was well aware of how competitive the constituency in Kerry is but had been involved in competitive sports all his life.
He said the development of housing at a local level is also to be a priority for him.
Speaking on Radio Kerry, he said he will be "building a team to retain that seat for Kerry".
Amid reports about division in some quarters over his selection, Mr O’Shea who has been strongly backed by former minister and TD Jimmy Deenihan referred to his sporting background.
"I was always a team player," he said.
