Proud mammy moment as Cork brothers Seamus and Michael McGrath celebrate new jobs
There were tears in the Cork count centre in Nemo Rangers GAA club as Marie McGrath had two reasons to be proud on Sunday.
Ms McGrath was at the count centre to celebrate the election of her son Seamus to the Dáil in Cork South Central.
Mr McGrath took the seat vacated by his brother, former finance minister Michael, being elected on the 10th count with 10,758 votes.
Seamus's election comes on the same day that Michael officially takes up his role as EU commissioner for democracy, justice and the rule of law.
Their mother was visibly emotional, saying how proud she was of her two sons.
“I am very proud, and I’m very emotional,” she said.
“They have worked so hard to get this far, and I’d like to congratulate them both.
"Like any boys, they were no trouble, growing up, thank God.”
And asked if she had any advice as one heads to Brussels and the other heads to Dáil Eireann said: “They have to look after themselves and do the best that they can. That’s all.”
Speaking after his election, the new TD for Cork South Central told the Irish Examiner it was a proud day for his family and praised his supporters, including his mother.