Kildare's Aubrey McCarthy takes a seat in the Seanad

CONGRATULATIONS to Kildare entrepreneur and charity founder Aubrey McCarthy who has taken the final seat in the Trinity College (TCD) constituency in the 2025 Seanad election after a tense recount.

Tiglin, founded by McCarthy, is a charity which provides supports for people affected by homelessness and addiction. He is an advocate for homelessness and rehabilitation, and wants to use his expertise and voice to help shape social reform in Ireland.

The recount was requested by Green Party cllr Hazel Chu on the 15th count, which increased McCarthy’s vote to 3741, while Hazel Chu’s dropped to 3706.

It was a very close call, but ultimately McCarthy’s election meant that the TCD seats had been filled.

He announced the win on Twitter on Friday evening after a long day at the count, while standing on the steps of the Lighthouse Homeless Café.

He said: “I was absolutely delighted to take the final Trinity seat in the Seanad election.” “It’s been an honour for me to receive your votes, and I hope to represent you well.” “I also want to be a voice for the homeless in our society, many of whom are behind the door here at the Lighthouse, and I’m going to advocate for all of you to the very best of my ability. Thank you so much everybody for your support,” he continued.

Meanwhile Fianna Fail’s Fiona O'Loughlin retained a Seanad seat in the Administrative Panel, while former deputy Cathal Berry was unsuccessful in his bid and was eliminated after Mark Daly topped the poll.