Justin McNulty has been confirmed by the Social Democratic and Labour Party as ineligible to stand for the Newry and Armagh constituency in the upcoming Northern Ireland Assembly election.
Councillor Peter Byrne of Crossmaglen secured the selection convention vote held in Newry on Thursday evening to take his place.
McNulty departed the Parliament Buildings before the conclusion of a sitting session, missing confirmation that Matthew O'Toole would become leader of the opposition.
The fixture involving the Laois GAA football team he manages clashed with a special Saturday legislature meeting where devolution was restored at Stormont following a two-year deadlock.
Byrne, who has served as a councillor for a decade, holds the position of party group leader on Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
His appointment follows his selection by members in October 2023 when he was named manager of the Laois team during a period when the Assembly was dissolved.
McNulty's standing within the party was previously challenged when the whip was suspended in February 2024 for leaving the legislature early to attend the match.
The disciplinary measure against McNulty was lifted in August 2024, yet he remains unselected for the next general election campaign.
Byrne resides in Crossmaglen and operates a local business alongside his family life with his husband.
The selection process concluded on Thursday night without further controversy or procedural delays.
Next year's Assembly convention will see Byrne contest the seat formerly held by McNulty.