For a region not given to change, the election of Frank Roche from Castletownroche to the Fermoy Electoral Area represents a considerable breakthrough.
It may have taken a long time (the early hours of last Sunday morning) but when the announcement came, it was celebrated with some gusto, and in keeping with the man who defied the odds, he had plenty to say.
"Am I the first homeless man to be elected in Ireland?, I'd say I am, I said it when the campaign started and I kept saying it, you can't write me off, my entire life has been about overcoming obstacles. I'm not perfect but I won't ever give up – Frank Roche never gives up," he told The Avondhu.
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