yone who had the opportunity to witness the Sinn Féin team outside the count centre at Cavan Leisure Complex on Saturday could only be astounded at the professionalism of the operation. It was clear to all that this team knew what they were at; there was a job to be done and everybody was aware of what their role was.
Whe the doors opened, as other parties wandered aimlessly for ten minutes, the Sinn Féin contingent went straight for their places. Most ran to the counting areas, while others set up the table and computers to record the tallies as they came in.
There were 14 candidates standing in Cavan/Monaghan, the highest ever, and many commentators were suggesting that it would be Sinn Féin that would feel the pinch. Nobody considered it possible that Caoimhghín O Cáoláin could top the poll as he historically did in 1997.
But as the sign erected on the Louth/Monaghan border states proudly: 'You are now entering Ó Caoláin country'. While the future of Monaghan General hospital was a huge issue for the electorate of the county and the independent candidate fighting on that issue won a seat, it was not, as many suggested, at the expense of the Sinn Féin deputy.
Those of us who had canvassed the homes of the constituency could see that Caoimhghín and the 23 Sinn Féin councillors in Cavan/Monaghan have a record of work that is second to none. Every vote was well earned.
By 3 o'clock on Saturday, it was evident that Caoimhghín was going to top the poll. There were emotional scenes that quickly turned to jubilation as those who had worked tirelessly under the stewardship of Director of Elections Brian McKenna realised that they had reached and surpassed their targets.
The campaign of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to discredit the party and the impact of the huge number of independent and smaller party candidates had failed to knock the wind out of the Sinn Féin election campaign. The results proved it. We were indeed in Ó Cáoláin country.
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