Historic election win for Sinn Féin in Cork South Central

SINN FÉIN secured a historic victory in Cork South Central with the election of Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire as a new TD for the constituency.

The 26-year-old was elected to the Dáil on Sunday afternoon, unseating Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer.

Soon-to-be Deputy Ó Laoghaire received 6,986 first-preference votes in Friday's poll.

He then faced a battle before beating Fine Gael Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney to the third seat.

His election was greeted with enthusiastic celebrations when it was announced in Cork City Hall.

From Togher, he represents the Carrigaline/Ballingcollig Municipal District on Cork County Council and has served on Sinn Féin's Ard Chomhaire.

He was also the National Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin from 2010-12.

He take his seat in the Dáil as part of the increased-strength Sinn Féin team on 10 March.