O'Brien concedes defeat, honoured to be last standing in Mayo

WITH the final count still to be officially announced in the Mayo constituency, Independent Councillor Patsy O'Brien has conceded defeat.

Speaking on Midwest Radio, he acknowledged that transfers will bring Aontú Councillor Paul Lawless over the line for the fifth seat in the county, after Fine Gael's Keira Keogh.

The popular Robeen man said he had 'put up a brave fight' and gave the campaign all that he could. It was important to be gracious in defeat, and to be the last one standing gave him great pleasure.

Councillor O'Brien said he had stood for the people of south Mayo. He has represented people from all over the county, never turning anyone away who came to him with a problem.

It wasn't about winning. “It's about going out doing the job,” he said.

Asked if he would contest a general election again, “You never say never and never say not,” he replied, but at this stage of life it was unlikely.

He commended Councillor Lawless on the work he had done, which was reflected in the transfers he received from across the county.