A fledgling candidate handpicked by retiring TD Michael Ring secured a significant second seat for Fine Gael in the five-seater Mayo constituency.
With Mr Ring as her mentor, canvassing relentlessly, Keira Keogh from Westport sprung a surprise by netting the fourth seat in Mayo.
“I see Keira as a candidate of quality,” Deputy Ring said following the result. “I was more involved in her campaign than I was in some of my own.”
While the result was good news for Fine Gael, with Minister of State Alan Dillon also being elected, the result was disappointing for Fianna Fáil with Senator Lisa Chambers failing to regain the seat she lost in the 2020 general election.
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Minister of State Dara Calleary, who was elected on the eighth count, will continue to be FFs only standard-bearer for Mayo in Dáil Éireann.
Rose Conway-Walsh, who topped the poll, put in another powerhouse performance for Sinn Féin.
Aontu’s Paul Lawless triumphed in a tense battle for the final seat despite close attention from his closest rival, Independent Patsy O’Brien.
Independent Stephen Kerr, who has been vocal on immigration issues, surprised some by attracting 3,000 first preferences. His challenge lasted until the fifth count when he was eliminated.
