COLUMN: 'Six going into five is more like three going into two in the Thurles LEA '

SIX GOING INTO FIVE - THE THURLES LEA!

In Thurles, there is no Seamus Hanafin and there is no Peter Ryan. Much like “the big three” Fine Gaels opting not to run, Seamus’ decision is a blow to the Fianna Fáil party. But first...

Peter Ryan could be added to the Fine Gael “ big three” to make it the “big four” instead.

He secured a solid 1,920 votes last time out in Thurles and was elected on the fifth count.

Peter retired from local politics in 2021 and just six months after being co-opted into the seat of her brother, Upperchurch Drombane native Peggy Ryan was unanimously elected Cathaoirleach of Thurles-Templemore Municipal District.

It remains to be seen if Peggy can pull in the same vote as Peter.

OPINION: 'A lot of water under the bridge since the triumph of Murphy and Ahearn in 2019'

The absence of Fianna Fáil’s Seamus Hanafin (elected with 1,896 votes) only adds to the excitement of the Thurles LEA and should be blowing the contest wide open.

But with six candidates (it was eleven candidates in 2019) vying for five seats, this is not as exciting as it should be for one of the most important towns in Tipperary.

Poll-topper last time around Michéal Lowry (Independent), Sean Ryan (Fianna Fáil), Jim Ryan (Independent) will feel confident of retaining their seats with the remaining three of Dan Harty (Sinn Féin), Kay Cahill Skehan (Fianna Fáil) and Peggy Ryan (Fine Gael) fighting it out for the remaining two seats.

Six going into five is more like three going into two.