No change in Limerick County after General Election

December 5, 2024 Featured Stories, Home Slider, Weekly Observer

Delighted elected candidates for Limerick County Richard O’Donoghue, Patrick O’Donovan and Niall Collins.

As anticipated, all three outgoing TDs – Patrick O’Donovan (Fine Gael), Richard O’Donoghue (Independent Ireland) and Niall Collins (Fianna Fáil) – were returned by the electorate of Limerick County to serve in the 34th Dáil, the first gathering of which will happen in a fortnight’s time (Wednesday, December 18th). Turnout was 59% (down from 64% in 2020), which equated to 45,536 votes.
With a 25% share of first preference votes, Mr. O’Donovan topped the poll and was elected on the first count, having garnered 11,563 votes. Although both were virtually guaranteed election from earlier, it was not until much later that Richard O’Donoghue (Independent Ireland) and Niall Collins (Fianna Fáil) were officially returned to the 34th Dáil.
Mr. O’Donoghue (10,540 votes, 23% share), General Secretary of Independent Ireland, was elected shortly before midnight on Saturday, and Mr. Collins (9,284 votes, 20% share) in the early hours of Sunday morning.
In her first outing, Councillor Joanne Collins of Sinn Féin (6,005 votes, 13% share) finished in fourth position. The other candidates, to follow in alphabetical order, were never in contention: Jim Barrett, Independent (913), Bridie Collins, Fianna Fáil (1,687), Richie Crehan, Independent (565), Laura Fahy, People Before Profit-Solidarity (413), Rob O’Donnell, Green Party (873), Donna O’Loughlin, Irish Freedom Party (256), Lorraine O’Sullivan, The Irish People (281), Michael Ryan, Aontú (1,309), April Sheehan-Corkery, Independent (82), Noreen Stokes, Fine Gael (1,511), and Gerben Uunk, Party for Animal Welfare (254).
Mr. O’Donovan was first elected in 2011 and has retained his seat ever since. Mr. O’Donoghue was first elected four years ago. Mr. Collins was first elected in 2007 and has been returned at each subsequent election.
In four-seater Limerick City, Willie O’Dea (Fianna Fáil), Maurice Quinlivan (Sinn Féin), Kieran O’Donnell (Fine Gael) and Councillor Conor Sheehan (Labour) were elected. Outgoing Brian Leddin (Green Party) lost his seat.
For our extensive coverage of Election 2024, see pages 36-41.