Galway County councillor Michael "Stroke" Fahy brought his 96-year-old mother to hospital yesterday ahead of starting his one-year term behind bars.
Mr Fahy (56) must surrender to Loughrea Garda station today by 11am from where he will be brought to Castlereagh Prison by gardaí. The Court of Criminal Appeal refused to grant him bail on Friday, which was his last chance to avoid jail for fraud and attempted theft of Galway County Council funds.
He was also fined €75,000. He has lodged an appeal but it will take until at least November for the case to be heard.
The Ardrahan councillor said he had tried to organise a bed in St Brendan's Nursing Home in Loughrea for Mrs Fahy, but it was full.
He had no choice but to bring her to Merlin Park Hospital, where he hopes she will receive respite care for up to three weeks until a bed in Loughrea becomes free.
"She doesn't like nursing homes," Mr Fahy said as he was preparing his mother's suitcase.
"Because of her age she needs 24-hour care, so I've nowhere else to bring her. I've been getting up at least six times a night with her because she has to be turned in the bed.
"Her mind and memory is as good as my own. She's been crying day and night since this happened. I didn't sleep myself the last three nights. It is awful harsh," he said.
He will pack his own suitcase tonight.
Neighbours have said they will look after his farm while he is in jail.
Galway County Council has indicated it will not take steps to remove him from office until the appeal is decided.