by Daniel McConnell, Irish Examiner Political Editor

Weeks of speculation has ended as Fianna Fáil tonight added All-Ireland winner Shane Curran to its ticket in Roscommon-Galway.

The party's National Constituencies Committee confirmed the addition of Mr Curran to the ticket in Roscommon-Galway.

Mr Curran joins Councillor Eugene Murphy on the General Election ticket.

The recommendation of the NCC was ratified by the party’s Ard Chomhairle Officer Board this evening.

A native of Brideswell, Mr Curran lives with his wife Sharon and their two daughters.

He is a well known Roscommon GAA stalwart, All-Ireland winner with St. Brigids and current manager with Padraig Pearses.

The recently retired goalkeeper joins the contest in the three-seat constituency, in a move that could come as a blow to Fine Gael's election hopes in the constituency.

Chairman of the National Constituencies Committee Michael Moynihan TD said: “I am confident that with the addition of Shane Curran, Fianna Fáil has an extremely strong ticket in Roscommon-Galway. Shane will work together with Cllr. Eugene Murphy to ensure that the party’s vote is maximised across the constituency."

He added: “I know that both candidates will be running an energetic campaign to ensure that the people of Roscommon are once again represented by Fianna Fáil at national level”.