The Drum man died last October after over 20 years as a Fine Gael councillor.

The two candidates vying for the position are Valerie Duffy, a community activist from Drum, and Ger Grehan, a well-known farming man from Taughmaconnell.

They are the only candidates nominated to contest the selection convention in the Athlone Springs Hotel on February 20th at 7.30pm. 

Two candidates have so far put their names forward to be selected ahead of the 9 o'clock deadline.

Taughmaconnell’s Ger Grehan has also thrown his hat in the ring, ahead of tonight’s deadline for nominations.

A selection convention will take place in the Athlone Springs Hotel on the evening of February 20th. 

A minute’s silence was observed at this afternoon’s meeting, which was also adjourned for 20 minutes as a mark of respect.

His remains are reposing in Drum Parish Hall until 8pm, ahead of his funeral Mass in St Brigid's Church, Drum, at 11am tomorrow.