Carrick-on-Suir LEA's first two elected councillors give their reaction

Ballingarry Fianna Fáil Cllr Imelda Goldsboro was overjoyed with topping the poll in the Carrick-on-Suir Local Electoral Area  for the council second election in a row.

She was particularly happy with her performance polling 1,898 first preferences as she had to contend with a new candidate Labour's Michael 'Chicken' Brennan from neighbouring Killenaule, who polled very strongly and is expected to be the third candidate elected in the five-seater.

“It's fantastic. We are absolutely delighted. It's been a hard few weeks,” she told The Nationalist. “I have a a daughter doing the Leaving Cert and a son doing the Junior Cert. It's been a very busy few weeks in our house and it's great to have it over now. There are a number of projects I am currently working on and will now be in a position to finish those and will be able to continue deliver for Carrick-on-Suir Local Electoral Area for the next five years.

Carrick-on-Suir Sinn Féin Cllr David Dunne also repeated his 2019 election performance, becoming once again the second candidate to be elected in the Carrick-on-Suir LEA but this time he got over the line on the first count.

There was a big cheer as his supporters hoisted him on their shoulders when his first preference vote and election was announced.

His success was tinged with poignancy as his beloved mother Joan passed away only last week.

"It's a very big achievement for me and my family," he told The Nationalist. "It was a very emotional campaign under the circumstances. My mam is looking down on me. She would be very proud of me tonight. It's the biggest vote I ever got and I have contested five elections. I am very proud of that achievement and the people of Carrick and how they supported Carrick-on-Suir (candidates in the election). Overall I am delighted," he said. 

Cllr Dunne credited his success to simple hard work on behalf of his constituents.

The Carrick-on-Suir LEA second count begins at 10am tomorrow (Sunday, June 10).