'I’m sure they gave me the No 1’: Limerick TD reflects on late parents after topping poll

MINISTER Patrick O’Donovan said he “could have walked away” after his well-documented health scare last year, shortly after he topped the poll in Limerick County.

“I decided I'd stick at it and the people, in fairness, have responded positively,” said Mr O’Donovan, after being hoisted in the air by his supporters.

Now, an even more high-profile ministry could very well be on the cards for the Newcastle West man in the new Government given his election performance and the fact that around a half of Fine Gael’s TDs elected in 2020 did not stand again.

Could his current title of Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science be replaced by something much shorter?

“I've been very humbled over the last number of years to serve as a Minister of State and latterly to be in the Cabinet. 

“To be honest about it, I never thought I'd get in there and I always pinch myself when I do sit at a Cabinet meeting. 

“I've had a lot of highs and lows in politics. Today is a high but it is on the backs of the people who got me here,” said Mr O’Donovan.

The 47-year-old made history on Saturday night as he became the first Fine Gael TD to be elected on the first count in County Limerick.

Mr O’Donovan received 11,563 first preferences, exceeding the quota by 178 votes.

His late mother, Nellie, was in the forefront of his mind following her passing in May.

“2024 is a year that had a lot of highs and a lot of lows - the lowest point was losing my mother and I know she'd be in her element if she was here today. 

“She was a big part of my life and a huge part of my life politically -  she was always a supporter of me. Wherever she's gone with my father, if there's a polling booth I'm sure they gave me the number one. 

“They were a huge inspiration for me and losing both of them was difficult but, look, it doesn't pass any house and it didn't pass our house. But it is bittersweet,” said Mr O’Donovan.

Like in many households, his late parents were a  mixed political marriage and not too keen on Patrick embarking down the political path.

 “I came from a house that was kind of reflective of the modern day Government - one was Fianna Fail and one was Fine Gael. They weren't keen on it because they knew what it entailed,” he said.

READ MORE: Two weddings and an election: Busy weekend for re-elected Limerick TD

Wife Eileen and their children John, Mae and Nel stood proudly by his side when the announcement was made.

“I've missed a lot of training, I've missed a lot of matches, I've missed a lot of family events. On top of it, I got sick. It's not easy on a family and it's not easy packing a suitcase on a Tuesday morning and heading away and not coming back until Friday evening maybe. 

“They're in bed when you're going and they're in bed when you're leaving but they're hugely supportive and that's why the count wouldn't be the count without them today.

“Eileen, John, Mae and Nel - they'll have been the biggest support to me in all of this, and this is as much a victory for them as it is for me.”

Mr O'Donovan said he is also very proud of the people who walked the roads for him, all his supporters, local councillors, everybody who knocked on the doors for him. 

“I'm really proud of what they all did,” said Mr O'Donovan, who also spoke of those who have gone to their eternal reward but were still very much a part of his re-election to Dail Eireann.