Tipperary county councillor just misses out on a seat in the election to Senead Éireann

Former mayor of Clonmel and Tipperary county councillor Richie Molloy has just missed out on a seat in the election to Seanad Éireann.

Cllr Molloy, nominated by Family Carers Ireland, said he was proud of his performance as a first-time candidate.

"It was a privilege to be nominated as a candidate for the 2025 Seanad Éireann Election on the Admin Panel. Although I was not successful on this occasion, I am very proud of my result as an Independent Councillor and first-time candidate. I received a strong first preference vote, with all candidates who finished ahead of me being outgoing Senators, former TDs or candidates in such elections previously," said the manager of the ClonmelClonmel branch of Family Carers Ireland.

"The Seanad election is certainly an experience and a challenging campaign given the geographic base of the electorate across the country but a challenge I am glad to have tried. It was an honour to be nominated by Family Carers Ireland It is an organisation that is very close to my heart and one which I have been involved with for many years.

I am very grateful for the support I received during the campaign from colleagues, family, and friends, and those who I met along the way. The count at the weekend brings to an end a very busy month of January, and indeed a busy year of elections! Go raibh maith agaibh  Congratulations to all elected to the 27th Seanad, including many friends and colleagues," said Cllr Molloy.

Cllr Molloy was formally nominated by Family Carers Ireland.

"Whilst Richie Molloy was not elected on this occasion he did exceptionally well.  His first round result was higher than the combined vote for the other two candidates nominated from within the disability/carer space.  He was only eliminated on the last count in spite of being up against very heavy opposition, particularly from those candidates with party support – the one ‘independent’ candidate elected on the panel was an outgoing Senator and former Taoiseach’s nominee, said John Dunne CEO of Family Carers Ireland