'We had our own match here to play today'

REFEREE Colm Lyons had barely blown the final whistle on another Limerick Munster final win when Cllr Tom Ruddle was elected in Newcastle West.

“It wasn't a bad double!” he smiled.

“It was fantastic to see Limerick playing so well again. Unfortunately we only saw bits and pieces because we had our own match here to play today. I've won and I'm delighted with the result,” said Cllr Ruddle, who thanked his own fantastic team - his wife and children and all his supporters.

“I'm ecstatic. It's fantastic. I suppose we're here since yesterday and it's great to be here today now and be elected,” said Cllr Ruddle, who concedes he was slightly worried on Saturday.

“I suppose a tiny bit at the beginning when the votes come out first. It’s a great day for Fine Gael locally and nationally as well,” said Cllr Ruddle.