Mulcahy makes history as first ever Sinn Féin councillor in Lismore

It was a historic victory for Sinn Féin in West Waterford as the party won their first ever seat in the Lismore LEA, with Donnchadh Mulcahy overcoming Independent candidate Brian Buckley by 39 votes to take the final seat. 

Lismore was the first electoral area in the county to be filled during the election weekend. The make-up of the new council in the area is returning Cllr John Pratt (Labour), alongside newcomers Niamh O’Donovan (Fine Gael) and Donnchadh Mulcahy (Sinn Fein).

Mulcahy received the most first preference votes in the area with 988 and was elected on the sixth count.

Speaking to the Waterford News & Star following his election, he said, “I’m overwhelmed and I greatly appreciate the fact that the far west have put their belief into me and I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running and getting some good work done in that community.

Reflecting on having Sinn Féin representation in Lismore, he added: “It’s a great honor to be the first and it’s something that I will remember for a long time.

“I’ve had a great team behind me, my family, my friends and Sinn Féin. There's no doubt Sinn Féin have to work harder than most parties. That starts from David Cullinane and goes all the way down. We’ll continue working hard for our constituents.

“It’s long campaign but now the real work starts. I’m looking forward to getting my feet firmly on the ground and getting around to help as many people in the far west as I can."