'Limerick is absolutely at the forefront of everything I've done'

WELL-KNOWN Limerick businesswoman Helen O’Donnell has finished runner-up to John Moran in the race to be the first democratically elected mayor of Limerick.

The mum-of-one received 12,903 first preferences in count one but could never make up the gap to John Moran (18,308) with transfers from eliminated candidates.

The result was widely expected since the tallies on Saturday but matters were only decided once and for all this Tuesday afternoon after the 12th count.

The wife of the late Fine Gael minister, Tom O’Donnell, told the media she had "no regrets".

"Limerick is absolutely at the forefront of everything I've done. My concern for Limerick is paramount and that's why I stood in this election," said Ms O’Donnell, who had a number of prominent supporters, including the weight of billionaire businessman JP McManus who praised her “integrity”.

"I'm so proud of my team and so proud of the supporters. They've been absolutely amazing," said an emotional Ms O'Donnell.

Ms O'Donnell has been in business in Limerick for more than 30 years, running the cafe in the Hunt Museum through her firm Dolmen Catering up to 2022 when she retired. She also chairs the Paul Partnership, which aims to tackle disadvantage in the city.

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