Election 2024: Good news travels fast as Gerry McMonagle's cheers reached Oz! - Donegal Daily

Source: Donegal Daily
Author: Rachel McLaughlin

LETTERKENNY: Sinn Féin Councillor Gerry McMonagle's celebrations went right around the world as he took the third seat in the Letterkenny LEA before the recount.

McMonagle's re-election was cheered on by his delighted family in the Aura after midnight tonight, while one special family member was having a very good morning in Australia.

Gerry's daughter Dearbhaile made the moment even more memorable by beaming into the count centre via a Facetime call.

And it was the more the merrier as McMonagle breathed a sigh of relief after his toughest campaign yet.

Sinn Féin ran three candidates across the Letterkenny LEA - 20-year politician Gerry McMonagle, Sandra Haughey for Manorcunningham and Ulick Hughes covering Glenswilly and Churchill.

The party's three-candidate strategy didn't fulfil their plan of at least two elected councillors in Letterkenny, but the transfers ensured McMonagle was back in the Chamber.

Speaking to Donegal Daily, he said: "There was a big field, a lot of candidates, a lot of issues, it was a very courteous campaign, we were well received on the doors, but it was a big field and it wasn't easy. I think the record I have as a sitting councillor of 20 years, both town and county stood by me."