Hush turns into a roar for Billy the Kid

JUST after 6.30pm, the hush descended, as respectful a silence as ever gifted to Ronan O’Gara on any occasion he steps up to the ball. Except this time it was Martin Harvey, Cork city sheriff, stepping up to the microphone to finally announce the first count results.

“These are the results of the count for Cork North Central,” he said, conscious he had the ear of an expectant room.

The first name called was Fine Gael’s Bernard Allen, close, but as yet, no cigar. Next up were Socialist Mick Barry and Independent Niall Brennan before Harvey took stock with a pregnant pause.

Then it was Billy the Kid Kelleher’s turn and the hush turned into a roar. He’d exceeded the quota and the expectations of many by topping his constituency poll.

Across the road, in the Movida Tapas Bar, bronzed Billy was the toast of the town. It was here that Friends of Fianna Fáil were enjoying the perks of being, well, Friends of Fianna Fáil.

Back in City Hall, cause for more celebration as Tim Healy took to the stage. The returning officer for Cork South Central, his time came at 7.10pm.

No-one came near the quota until he came to Fianna Fáil. To the surprise of no-one, Micheál Martin came first, but the performance of his colleague gave many a start. Michael McGrath, first time Dáil candidate, took the second seat to the delight of his dutiful wife. Sarah McGrath had been on hand since early morning, four month-old David McGrath nearby snug in his pram.

From the balcony, Mr Martin gave the royal wave to his legions of followers below.

Downstairs Jerry Buttimer waited patiently for the transfers to begin.

“It’s like watching myself being operated on,” he said wearily, glad to be still in the game. Dan Boyle and Noel Flynn were overheating as John McCarthy watched in defeat.

“I had two fears when I ran for election,” he said. “The first was not getting any votes, the second was getting elected.” For him at least, to lose meant he had personally won.