Elections 2024: 14 candidates running for seven seats in Cappamore/Kilmallock
Kilmallock town is key to the east
THE TITLE of the election preview for the municipal district of Cappamore- Kilmallock back in 2019 was ‘Battle of the Baalbec’ and, this year, it is seconds out, round two, as, once again, there are four candidates from Kilmallock town in the seven-seater.
The two sitting councillors from the municipal district’s biggest town are Cllr Mike Donegan, Fianna Fail and Cllr PJ Carey, Sinn Fein, although he was an Independent five years ago.
They are joined by Greg Conway, Fine Gael, who narrowly missed out on election in 2019, and newcomer Grainne Hanley, Independent Ireland. It is a real political battle royale.
In contrast, Bruff have no homegrown candidates.
There are a total of 14 men and women putting their names forward - the same number that contested the last local election.
The big talking point is Fine Gael as they have no sitting councillor seeking reelection. Mayor Gerald Mitchell and Cllr John Egan have called it a day in politics. Between them they had over 16.5% of the first preference vote in 2019. Greg Conway, Pallasgreen’s Noreen Stokes, who was also very close to being elected last time, and first-timer Tommy O’Sullivan, Kilfinane, will all be hoping to gobble up those votes.
Fianna Fail are running four as opposed to Fine Gael’s three. Cllr Donegan and Cllr Martin Ryan, Cappamore are joined by Denny Hourigan, Caherconlish, and Al Fitzgerald, Knocklong, both seeking election for the first time.
The party secured three seats last time out but that was when Galbally’s Eddie Ryan was a Soldier of Destiny. He is now an Independent.
Perennial poll-topper Brigid Teefy, Ballybricken, is also an Independent. Joe Meagher, Oola, was considering running again as an Independent but sadly he passed away late last year. A third Independent is first-time candidate Michelle Hayes, Murroe.
Sinn Fein will be hoping to retain their seat in the form of Cllr Carey who is on their ticket. The Green’s Rob O’Donnell, Pallasgreen, Aontu’s Michael Ryan, Pallasgreen, and Independent Ireland’s Grainne Hanley make up all the political parties’ candidates. The Social Democrats aren’t running any candidate in this area.
Whomever does get elected in Cappamore-Kilmallock will have earned it as it is a massive area to canvass. For example, Doon to O’Rourke’s Cross, Bruree is 43kms while going from Caherconlish to Kilbehenny is 53kms.
Shoes will be worn down to the sole and tyres will need to be replaced. The results will be an interesting political barometer of rural Ireland.
Municipal District of Cappamore-Kilmallock candidates
Seats: 7 Candidates: 14
PJ Carey - Sinn Féin
Gregory Conway - Fine Gael
Mike Donegan - Fianna Fáil
Al Fitzgerald - Fianna Fáil
Gráinne Hanley - Independent Ireland
Michelle Hayes - Non-party
Denny Hourigan - Fianna Fáíl
Rob O’Donnell - Green Party/Comhaontas Glas
Tommy O’Sullivan - Fine Gael
Eddie Ryan - Non-party
Martin Ryan - Fianna Fáil
Michael Ryan - Aontú
Noreen Stokes - Fine Gael
Brigid Teefy - Non-party