Mayo election wrap up: Two new kids on the block in south district

There are two new kids on the block in south Mayo politics.

And they are just what the area needs in terms of youth and fresh energy.

High profile Aontú representative Paul Lawless is a former professional footballer who played the game of his life last weekend to become his party's first elected member of Mayo County Council.

He will be joined in a new-look Claremorris Municipal District by Ballyhaunis community activist Alma Gallagher, who comfortably took the seat vacated by Fine Gael stalwart John Cribbin.

As new voices on the authority, they can help bring a new sense of direction to a part of the county with massive potential.

And don't be surprised if you see one or the other, or both, on the ballot paper for the next general election - now widely tipped to take place on October 25 - as they are held in such high esteem within their own parties.

Lawless, now a teacher by profession, emerged successful after the seventh count when outgoing Fine Gael councillor Tom Connolly was eliminated.

The Knock man was elected on the final count along with Ballinrobe Fine Gael Councillor Michael Burke, a man who has invested 30 years as an elected representative.

Lawless said he was honoured to win a position that brings with it a great deal of responsibility.

He stated the disappointment of experiencing defeat in previous elections stood him in good stead as he learned a lot of lessons in defeat.

Lawless, who doubled his first preference return to register 1,177, will certainly be a formidable figure on the local political scene for years to come.

And the same can be said of Gallagher who became the first woman to be elected to the council from the south Mayo district. . .and she did so at the first time of asking.

"It's a privilege to finally see the glass ceiling being shattered and I look forward to representing my area with commitment over the coming years," she said.

Like Lawless, Gallagher ran a very high profile election campaign, utilising social media at every opportunity to connect with the public, and it was encouraging to see the aforementioned John Cribbin and former Mayo TD and MEP Jim Higgins at the heart of her campaign.

There will certainly be no shortage of wise counsel for Gallagher when she requires it and that's so essential in modern political life when controversial issues frequently jump out at politicians and they are expected to give an instant reaction on their digital platforms.

While Gallagher and Lawless stole the headlines, it was Hollymount Councillor Patsy O'Brien who managed the numbers like no other.

He sealed his place on the incoming Mayo County Council with a first preference haul of 2,739.

O'Brien, a former member of the Fine Gael party, exceeded the quota of 1,954 by 785 votes.

He has the distinction of having the highest personal vote for the second consecutive election.

Outgoing Claremorris Independent Councillor Richard Finn has secured another term on Mayo County Council with relative ease, displaying the high esteem in which he is held in his community.

He was elected following the completion of the third count which involved the distribution of the votes of the eliminated Eamon Phelan (SF), Sandra Sweetman (Ind), Aron Ceallaigh (Irish People) and Geraldine Kelly (Ind.).

Finn picked up 121 transfers which pushed him over the quota of 1,954 with 2,047.

It was a proud day for the town of Ballinrobe which retained its two councillors.

Fianna Fáil's Damian Ryan has been elected to the council for the sixth consecutive election.

First elected to office in 1999, he said he was delighted to increase his vote, which was an endorsement of his work rate and dedication.

He is joined by Michael Burke who has a record of 30 years of council service.

Speaking to Midwest Radio, he expressed sadness over the loss of a seat by his party colleague, Tom Connolly, and wished him well.

RESULT: Independents (2), Fine Gael (2), Fianna Fáil (2)