Who was elected in your area?: Macroom

Tue, 11 Jun, 2024 - 13:40

Concubhar Ó Liatháin

IT’S a case of the more things change, the more they stay the same in the Macroom Local Electoral Area. The six sitting councillors were returned for another term, despite a stern challenge from the Independent Ireland flagbearer for the final seat and “a bit of a scolding on the doors”, acknowledged by the current chairman of the District Council, Ted Lucey.

Topping the poll in Macroom was Gobnait Moynihan of Fianna Fáil, while not far behind, in a display of vote management which will be examined in political studies classes for years to come, came Michael Creed, a cousin of the TD, leading a trio of Fine Gael candidates back to their council seats.

While Fianna Fáil only ran two candidates, the strategy worked to perfection as Gobnait Moynihan’s surplus pulled in her running mate, Michael Looney, in the second count, a result which was declared in the early hours of Sunday morning.

For Michael Creed, the campaign had not been tough at all, adding: “We divided the area into three patches, everyone kept to the divide, and our aim from the start was to get three Fine Gael councillors elected and we went out with that intention so I’m absolutely delighted that it worked.”

Cllr. Gobnait Moynihan, Fianna Fáil who topped the Macroom poll at the County Hall, Cork. Picture Dan Linehan

Michael Looney of Fianna Fáil knew from early on that he would be returned when the early tallies put him in a strong position to retain his seat, and while Martin Coughlan, the Independent councillor, had a few nail-biting moments, he was confident that he would hold sway in his battle with the Independent Ireland flagbearer Dermot Kelleher, a farmer from near Inchigeelagh who had lost his wife before taking on the challenge of running for election.

He told The Echo that he had enjoyed the canvass, but had learned some lessons while going from door to door.

“An old man once told me that half the people are lying to you, and the other half may not be telling the truth,” he said.

Macroom Electoral Area (Six seats)

First preference votes

Elected