Abbeyleix campaigner says he has 'no regrets' running in Laois local election

Abbeyleix campaigner Noel Burke said he has no regrets and that running as a candidate in the Laois local elections has been a learning experience. 

The community activist and local historian ran for election in the competitive Portlaoise Local Electoral Area but was unsuccessful in securing a seat and was eliminated on the fifth count. 

In a statement on Tuesday Mr Burke said: "Although I would have loved the opportunity to represent our people at local government level by getting myself on to a committee in there where I would have worked hard towards bringing about some changes in our local community here in this part of the county, it might have been a bit too much to expect running as a candidate for the first time and not having announced my decision much earlier on, I’m reminded of the old saying that everyday is a school-day.

"I want to congratulate all of the newly elected councillors, and say hard luck to others that did not make it this time round. To the people that did vote for me, I want to thank you most sincerely for giving me your vote, and who knows maybe another time. I will continue to work as a community activist here in Abbeyleix, because there are still more projects that I want to deliver on, so once again thank you all."

Mr Burke also took the opportunity to remind the public about the Tonduff Cillín workshop taking place on Monday, June 17 in the Abbeyleix Heritage House from 2pm-4.30pm.

Artist Jen Donnery along with Edel O Keeffe will host the one day event where members of the public are invited to make a personalised ceramic flower which will form part of the overall sculpture to recognise and mark the Cillíní burial plot.

 If you have a special connection to this memorial or wish to have someone remembered as part of this project this will be your opportunity. Places are very limited and on a first come first served basis please book your place through eventbrite.