Longford #LE24: Cassidy completes incredible comeback to pip Dalton and capture final Granard seat but recount is called

Fianna Fáil's David Cassidy completed an absolutely incredible comeback to pip Fine Gael's Colin Dalton to capture the final Granard seat however a recount has been called and it is set to begin at 2pm on Monday.

Following the 7th Count and the distribution of Paraic Brady's 26 votes surplus, Cassidy picked up half of the transfers bringing his total to 1,071 and edging him ahead of sitting councillor Colin Dalton (FG) on 1,067. 

With a four votes margin separating the two it was inevitable that a recount would be sought. 

FG's Padraig McNamara claimed the 4th of the five seats on offer, with Garry Murtagh (FG), Turlough McGovern (Ind) and Paraic Brady (FG) all gaining seats on the first count. 

SEVENTH COUNT

(Distribution of P Brady 26 votes surplus)

David Cassidy, Fianna Fáil +16 = 1,071

Colin Dalton, Fine Gael +8 = 1,067

Padraig McNamara, Fine Gael +2 = 1,113

Non-transferable: 0

A barber by profession, Cassidy is used to close shaves and speaking to Shannonside FM after 4.30am he admitted that he couldn't believe he triumphed. "I'm shocked and I had accepted defeat as I just didn't think I had enough votes."

He admitted, "With four votes in it I'd expect a recount." 

Fine Gael's Padraig McNamara praised the party's excellent vote management and prior to the formal announcement that there would be recount he said; 'we'll be challenging outcome tomorrow'.