b'FREEDOM OF DONEGALTim Kelly Awarded Freedom of Donegal Donegal man Tim Kelly, (Kelly Group Chairman) was awarded Freedom of Donegal on Friday, 1st December 2023. The Freedom of Donegal is an award that is given to people who have been recognised for outstanding achievements on behalf of the people and County Donegal. The prestigious ceremony was held at the County House, Lifford and was witnessed by a selection of close family and friends. The award was particularly special as it was presented by his long-time friend and fellow Frosses Cathaoirleach of Donegal, Cllr Martin Harley. Tim left his Frosses home for UK shores at the age of 18. When the UK started awarding its first cable franchises in 1984, Tim recognised an opportunity. With several years cable industry experience under his belt, having worked for his brothers Aidan and Neil in Dublin, Tim, along with his brother Bernard founded Kelly Brothers in London in 1985. Their very first installation was in New Addington, London, on the 17th of September 1985 for Croydon Cable. From 1988 the company then became known as Kelly Communications Ltd and was joined a few years later by Tims sister Fiona and brother Declan as group directors. For many years Tim has supported numerous UK & London Irish charities. He continues to organise many charitable events and generously provides individual support. The proceeds from many golfing and social events all go to support local hospices, accident victims, the financially vulnerable and sick of Donegal every year. Tim also remains ingrained in London Irish life, by sponsoring the Annual Donegal Hospice Calendar, the London Irish Vintage Rally and many more. The Wellington 1M Appeal for example raised funds for the BritishThe Cathaoirleach spoke with great pride of his early memories of Mr Kelly Red Cross and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Another of Timsand all that he had gone on to achieve. successful projects was The London Irish Ward Appeal. Tim led a campaign, to fund a new London Irish Ward at the Royal National OrthopaedicI always thought if I ever did get to be Mayor, no better man to give the honour Hospital in Stanmore. This incredibly successful campaign, which wasto than Tim. When he got the Freedom of London last year, I thought it would supported by many London Irish business raised over 800,000. Thebe bad if his own county couldnt give him the same honour. ward was named The London Irish Ward and was officially opened in February 2019.I was immensely proud to welcome my fellow Frosses man during the evening Back Row (L-R) - Christopher Kelly, Sheila Kelly, Matthew Kelly, Deidre Kelly, Declan Kelly, Colin Williamson, Jennifer Kelly (McDonald), Rory Williamson, Kathleen Williamson Front Row (L-R) - Neil Kelly, Cathaoirleach Martin Harley, Helen Meehan (Tims former teacher), Timothy Kelly, Teresa Kelly and Tim Patrick KellyThe Networker Winter 2023 31.'