'From the tallies to the counts, it certainly kept you on your toes' - first election experience
The local and European elections in the TF, Castlebar. Photo by: John O'Grady
Covering anything for the first time is always daunting.
As I approached Castlebar’s TF Royal Hotel & Theatre on Saturday, I didn’t know what to expect on the opening day of the local elections.
From the get-go, I was intrigued by how the process unfolded throughout the weekend.
From the tallies to the counts, it certainly kept you on your toes when the returning officer, John Condon, approached the microphone to make an announcement.
It was memorable to hear the echoing roar that would sound through the halls of the TF when a new election was confirmed for an electoral area.
At one stage there was even an ‘ole, ole, ole’ with two councillors shoulder high and their fists to the sky - that showed me what it meant to be elected after reaching the final post.
Another important aspect is the people you get to meet and work alongside during the few days.
Being a ‘newbie’ to the Western People, I was appreciative of the guidance I received from my work colleagues - this helped me learn a great deal of information on the job.
Keeping the live blog updated, taking down count details or interviewing elected candidates - it was all part of the election experience.
Even observing the hustle and bustle of the European count (Midlands-North-West constituency) below us was eye-catching, the organisation has to be second to none!
The last three days will certainly leave an impact on me, as the saying goes: .
In this case, it was politics, a subject that I have familiarised myself with - thanks to Mayo’s 2024 local elections.
