The father of Noel Thomas, the Independent Ireland candidate for Galway West, has died steeping the county in to sadness on polling day as news broke.
Noel Thomas Sr. died on Friday morning 29 November as his son, a sitting county councillor, went on ballot papers across Galway West.
Noel Thomas was announced as an Independent Ireland candidate for the General Election in September, three months after being first past the post in Connemara South in the June 2024 local elections.
Independent Ireland broke the sad news of Noel Sr.'s death to the public: "It is with regret that we announce that the father of our candidate in Galway West, Noel Thomas Snr. Passed away this morning.
"Noel Snr. will be sadly missed by his wife Sheila, his family and all his many neighbours and friends.
"All of us at Independent Ireland send our condolences and our thoughts are with Noel Thomas and his family at this very difficult time. Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam."
Noel Thomas is one of 17 candidates on the ballot in Galway West, where the mood turned from the usual polling day hope and anticipation, to sadness as news broke of Noel Thomas Sr.'s passing.
Galway West, a five-seater, is currently served by Noel Grealish and fellow independent Catherine Connolly, current Government chief whip Hildegarde Naughton (FG), Mairead Farrell (SF) and the soon-to-be-retired Eamon O'Cuiv (FF).
For the first time in over three decades, Eamon O'Cuiv won't be standing for Fianna Fail in Galway West, he is set to retire. Entering the race for Fianna Fáil to replace him in Galway West are Gráinne Seoige and John Connolly.
Joining incumbents Connolly, Naughten, Grealish and Farrell, and Ó Cuív replacement FF hopefuls Seoige and Connolly on the ballot are Pauline O’Reilly (GP), Seán Kyne (FG) Maisie McMaster (PBP) Pádraig Lenihan (Aon), Helen Ogbu (Lab) Doran McMahon (IFP) AJ Cahill (TIP), Mike Cubbard (Ind), Eibhlín Seoighthe (SD), Patrick Feeney (Ind), and Noel Thomas (Ind).
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