Pub serves up two constituencies
Much to the bemusement of local tipplers, a Co Cork pub has been split down the middle due to a bizarre redrawing of two constituencies.
Publican John O’Mahony explained that most of his hostelry on Watergrasshill’s main street, including all of the bar counter, is in the townland of Meenane, which is incorporated in the Cork North Central constituency.
But when he extended the bar into a building next door on the southern side, he found that section was in the townland of Mitchelsfort, in Cork East.
“It certainly leads to a bit of banter, but there are other parts of the village where next door neighbours are also in different constituencies,” Mr O’Mahony said.
Two general election candidates who live closest to Watergrasshill admit the redrawing of constituency boundaries has confused them, their canvassers and the public.
Billy Kelleher, who lives in Glanmire and is fighting to retain his FF seat in Cork North Central, said the redrawing created so much confusion that his canvassers have to carry the electoral register with them the whole time to avoid calling on a house in Cork East.
“It’s especially confusing on the road out of the village to Leamlara where the constituencies zig-zag to either side of the road at several points,” said Mr Kelleher.
Cllr Patrick ‘Pa’ O’Driscoll (FG), who is contesting a general election for the first time in Cork East, said: “The whole thing is confusing enough for the respective candidates, never mind the electorate.”
