Geoghegan and McGuinness shine
Damien Geoghegan, FG, Dungarvan ,who was elected on the first count. Photo: Joe Evans
A total of six seats were up for grabs in the Dungarvan LEA, with Fine Gael taking two, while Labour, Sinn Fein, Fianna Fáil and Independents claim one each.
Damien Geoghegan (Fine Gael) was the first to be elected, holding his seat on the council. Damien was elected on count one, with 1,584 first preference votes from a quota of 1,311. A sizable portion of his tally votes came from count centres in Abbeyside.
He commented after his re-election, “Delighted to be formally elected on the 1st count just before 1am this morning having topped the poll.
"A sincere thank you to everyone who supported me and voted for me on Friday.
“I have a great team around me, but it was quite an emotional day as we were all undoubtedly missing my number one supporter Annette. I can only imagine how proud she’d be and the craic and banter at the count centre would have been just mighty. Once again, a massive thank you to each and every one of you. I feel truly honoured and humbled by your support, and look forward to getting back to work tomorrow.”
Sinn Féin’s Conor McGuinness was also re-elected in count one with 1,408 first preference votes. Conor commented that it was "a great day for democracy."
It was not until count seven where the next councillor was found. Receiving significant support from count centres at Grange NS and St. Declan’s Community Hall in Ardmore, Tom Cronin of Fianna Fáil was re-elected.
Current Cathaoirleach of Dungarvan/Lismore District Council, Pat Nugent (Fine Gael) was re-elected in count ten.
All three running Labour councillors across city and county retained their seats, one of which was Thomas Phelan, having been elected on the 12th count in Dungarvan. His colleagues Seamus Ryan and John Pratt in Waterford City South and Lismore also retained their seats.
Elected on the 12th was Independent Joe O’Riordan, the only new face to take a seat in the Dungarvan LEA.
O’Riordan is well-known in the Dungarvan area for his sporting endeavours, including his work as Vice Chairperson of Waterford Ladies Gaelic Football County Board and former manager of Waterford Minor Ladies Football Team.
Longstanding councillor Seamus O'Donnell was eliminated on count 12.
