Fine Gael take three seats in extensive Cashel-Tipperary LEA

Fine Gael were the big winners in Cashel-Tipperary LEA with three candidates elected alongside Independents John O’Heney and Liam Browne.

Roger Kennedy took a seat for Fianna Fáil and Annemarie Ryan took the final seat in dramatic circumstances on the 11th count for Sinn Féin.

“Just relieved,” was how John Crosse of Fine Gael described his emotions as he shook hands with those that remained after he got elected on the 10th count on Sunday evening.

Garret Ahearn was first to shake his hand followed quickly by Martin Browne TD who appreciated all the emotions the remaining candidates were going through as he lost out himself in 2019 before getting elected to represent Tipperary at the following General Election.

Politics has many twists and turns and he remained at the Count Centre to see if party members Annemarie Ryan or Tony Black would take the final seat for Sinn Féin. 

The campaign was new territory for candidates with the absence of Michael Fitzgerald who took over 3,000 votes in 2019.

Newcomers John O’Heney and Liam Browne took a good share of number one votes however Mary Hanna Hourigan said the Fine Gael vote is still strong in the area as they secured three seats. She said she “was always inspired” by Michael Fitzgerald and said that this current campaign was a long one:

“We had good days and bad days, met some fabulous people, wonderful people, had great conversations,” said Mary who has been on the Council now for 15 years.  

“Lack of services for Children with Special Needs, home help, speeding on roads but for me homelessness is the biggest thing,” Mary said reflecting on issues on the doorsteps across the LEA.
You can be sure all council members will be busy from the word go.