BREAKING: 'I could have walked away' - Patrick O'Donovan after election in Limerick County
Fine Gael minister elected on the first count at Limerick Racecourse
MINISTER Patrick O’Donovan made history this Saturday night as he became the first Fine Gael TD to be elected on the first count in the county Limerick constituency.
The Newcastle West man said he “could have walked away” after his well-documented health scare last year.
“I decided I'd stick at it and the people, in fairness, have responded positively,” said Mr O’Donovan, shortly after being hoisted in the air by his supporters.
Mr O’Donovan received 11,563 first preferences, exceeding the quota by 178.
His late mother, Nellie, was in the forefront of his mind following her passing in May.
“2024 is a year that had a lot of highs and a lot of lows - the lowest point was losing my mother and I know she'd be in her element if she was here today.
“She was a big part of my life and a huge part of my life politically - she was always a supporter of me. Wherever she's gone with my father, if there's a polling booth I'm sure they gave me the number one.
“They were a huge inspiration for me and losing both of them was difficult but, look, it doesn't pass any house and it didn't pass our house. But it is bittersweet,” said Mr O’Donovan.
Wife Eileen and their children John, Mae and Nel stood proudly by his side when the announcement was made.
“I've missed a lot of training, I've missed a lot of matches, I've missed a lot of family events. On top of it, I got sick. It's not easy on a family and it's not easy packing a suitcase on a Tuesday morning and heading away and not coming back until Friday evening maybe.
“They're in bed when you're going and they're in bed when you're leaving but they're hugely supportive and that's why the count wouldn't be the count without them today.
“Eileen, John, Mae and Nel, they'll have been the biggest support to me in all of this, and this is as much a victory for them as it is for me.”