Succesing Supporters

So with all the hype around Election '11, I thought it might be a good idea to have a look at what candidates involve themselves with our humble little league. Can also be seen on The LOI Blog

Mick Wallace (Independent) - Wexford - Wexford Youths

Probably the highest profile League of Ireland man running for a seat in the Dáil this weekend is Wexford Youths founder and management member Mick Wallace. Wallace, a construction tycoon, built the club from scratch in the mid-90's as a junior side. Through Wallace Construction, the all conquering building company, the property developer bought and built a state-of-the-art facility near the small town of Ferrycarrig, just outside Wexford Town centre. Wallace submitted the Youths into the League of Ireland First Division in 2007 and his side have represented themselves very respectably since. During the property crash and subsequent recession, rumors around Wallace's finances have been rife, but the former Youths manager has been clear and transparent about his finances, announcing his current debt amount on his site. Running as an independent, Wallace will find it difficult to get elected, but does have clear views, notably promoting decentralization and same sex marriages.

Cllr. Jonathan O'Brien (Sinn Féin) - Cork North Central - Cork City FC

Probably the most directly involved in his chosen club is Sinn Féin Councillor Jonathan O'Brien. O'Brien was one of the founding fathers of FORAS, and has been on the Board of Management since the club's re-birth in 2010. O'Brien is a very popular character in his constituency, having topped the pool in the 2004 local elections, and has the opportunity to earn Sinn Féin a seat in an area which traditionally has been either Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil dominated. The Farranree native was voted into the Cork Council with much room to spare, and is a hot favorite to get one of four seats on offer in CNC. O'Brien campaigns strongly for drug rehab services and affordable accommodation

Michael D. Higgins TD (Labour) - Galway West - Galway United

Another man closely involved with his local club is Galway United. The current Labour party Foreign Affairs spokesperson is a shoe-in once again for a seat in the Dáil, having served for almost 30 years this far. Higgins is also a president of United, and is ever-present at the Tribesmen's home games, as well as some away. The former mayor of Galway ranks welcoming home the 1991 cup winning side amongst his proudest moments and is a lifelong United supporter.

Cllr. Dermot Looney (Labour) - South Dublin CC - St. Patrick's Athletic

At 28 years of age Dermot Looney can be counted amongst some of the youngest candidates running for election this time around. A strong campaigner of Gay rights as well as allocation of affordable housing, Looney has been a prominent figure in the constituency. A lifelong St. Pats fan, Looney attends nearly all of the Saints home games, and was very vociferous after the ugly scenes that followed last years defeat of Pats by Shamrock Rovers in the FAI Cup semi-final.

Cllr. Patrick Nulty (Labour) - West Dublin CC - Bohemians

Yet another Labour candidate who's involved with the League of Ireland is councillor Patrick Nulty. Nulty, a Blanchardstown native, has been living in West Dublin his entire life, and has a track record of securing facilities for local clubs across a range of sports. Nulty's true allegiances lie with Bohemians though, and showed his support to the club's efforts in staying afloat.

These are just some of the names hoping to be elected over the weekend who take an interested in all things League of Ireland. If you know of any more, feel free to comment!