The new TD in Cork North West is the son of former TD Donal Moynihan, and the grandson of James Moynihan, a county councillor from 1928 to 1970. An engaging Gaeilgóir, Moynihan was educated in Baile Bhuirne and Cúl Aodh, and holds an engineering degree from CIT, as well as a H Dip in marketing and management from UCC. Since 2003 he has been on Cork County Council, where he is known for his evocative language (he has challenged Bear Grylls to negotiate Co Cork’s potholes). He is based in Macroom, but like his rival Michael Creed, has been building up a support base in Ballincollig, which has proved crucial to his extremely strong election showing, which seemed to surprised everyone – pundits, rivals and running mate alike. – DARRAGH MURPHY